Devotee Story: Three Boons

From: “Shantatma Deva”
To: am-global@earthlink.net
Subject: Devotee Story: Three Boons
Date: Mon 31 Oct 2011 20:15:34 +0530

Baba

== DEVOTEE STORY: THREE BOONS ==

Namaskar,
Devotees have a special characteristic that separates them from ordinary people. That is Baba’s explicit teaching.

Regardless of a bhakta’s behavior, whether he commits a right or a wrong, we must not think that the devotee is therefore useless or worse than common folk. Because still that bhakta has the special quality of devotion. Baba Himself places tremendous importance on this.

Here below is one famous story about a devotee from long ago. The inner meaning of the story lends itself well to life in Ananda Marga.

Thereafter are two dramatic Baba stories wherein He vigorously defends the honor of even bad bhaktas after they were condemned by others for their faults.

All these stories point in the direction that Parama Purusa holds a special place in His heart for all devotees, even bad ones who commit wrongs.

GAYA’SURA STORY: BAD DEVOTEE GOES ON CRUSADE

Baba tells the story of King Tripasur who was a great devotee of Lord Vishnu. After launching a crusade, King Tripasura met his untimely death.

His son, Gaya’sura inherited the throne and followed in his footsteps.

King Gaya’sura too was an ardent worshiper of Lord Vishnu. He prayed endlessly and finally achieved the gift of immortality, granted to him by his chosen Lord Visnu. King Gaya’sura promptly launched a heinous offensive wiping out innocent people in all lands. The wrath of Gaya’sura was terrible. And no one could kill him.

King Gayasura even attacked the devotees of Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu Himself came to defend them, but the Lord too was defeated.

Lord Vishu’s followers pleaded with Him to do something.

Lord Vishnu then asked a boon of King Gayasura. The King agreed. Lord Vishnu then asked that Gayasura be turned to stone.

Gaya’sura replied, “So be it”, but then made three pleas:

1) The Lord should put His feet in Gaya’sura’s heart;
2) All those with the Lord’s feet in their heart must be granted liberation;
3) If anyone with the Lord’s feet in their heart does not get
liberation, then King Gaya’sura will again be granted life on earth.

Here Baba describes these boons in full:

Baba says, “First, the Lord will seat Himself in the heart of the devotee without bothering Himself about the nature of that person, good, or bad. It is enough to be a devotee, in order to have the Lord inside. Second, all those who have the Lord’s feet in their hearts are bound to get liberation – liberation is a sure guarantee for them. Third, since Gaya’sura had been turned to stone by the Lord, and since He would again arise if anyone having the Lord inside failed to be liberated, the Lord would have to grant liberation to all such persons for all time to come.” (‘The Lord’s Feet)

By the above story – which Baba Himself has recounted on various occasions – we can understand that Parama Purusa places great value on devotion.

Baba says, ‘This devotion is a heavenly attribution.” (1 June 1986 DMC)

Even though King Gayasura was a ruthless warrior, due to his devotion he was able to keep the Lord’s feet in his heart. Such is the quality of devotion and such is the grace of the Lord.

Devotion then is enough to gain the favour of the Lord, despite what other bad qualities a bhakta might have.

TRUE TO FORM IN ANANDA MARGA

With all the groupism, difficulties, power mongering and so forth, it is very easy to think that certain people in AM are total garbage. But we should never harbor such ideas.

Some may have made mistakes and committed gross sins, yet still all are our brother and sisters. We must develop a relationship of love with them.

We must remember that all have come into Ananda Marga – and they have come for a reason. In the the near or distant past, they established an inner link with Parama Purusa, by His grace. They have a place for Him in their heart – so they have come once again to sacrifice in some way for Him – and they are going to be granted salvation.

So all in AM are not just our brothers and sisters, but they are devotees of the Lord and that in itself has great meaning. They have a special connection with Him.

Regardless of what faults they do or what hell they create, we must not banish such persons from our minds or think ill of them. Rather we are to love them.

No doubt such persons may have to undergo rectification in the social sphere – they may have to stand before the court of justice – but their spiritual well-being is safe and secure, just as was the case with King Gaya’sura. Parama Purusa has saved a place in His heart for even bad devotees.

So we must appreciate all who have come to do something for Baba, despite whatever shortcomings they may have. Their arrival onto the path of AM has great meaning – that is enough to make one’s life successful.

We should not just think this way about others but about ourselves as well. Baba has graciously has blessed us with the special gift of devotion.

BABA STORY #1:

THE CASE OF SHARANA’NANDA

We all know that in the 70’s when the mass of Wts were called for reporting and RDS with Baba, then it was so crowded. The rooms were small and everyone had to squeeze into just a few rooms.

During one such occasion, Dada Sharana’nanda arrived and was told that all workers should place their bags and blankets into a particular room. There was hardly any space as hundreds of workers were putting their belongings there.

Anyway, somehow Sharana’nandaji found a tiny space. He spread his blanket halfway and placed his bag on top. Then he went off to attend his various meetings etc.

That evening when Sharana’nandaji returned, he saw that one Dada had tossed his things aside and taken his spot. When he awakened that Dada and told him, the Dada did not care at all.

Sharana’nandaji was extremely frustrated. In addition, it was a fasting day and that made his frustration grow even more. Internally he was thinking that many of these other Wts were just like monkeys, totally uncultured and uncivilised. He was thinking they were just worthless people.

He did not complain openly but those were the thoughts floating in his mind.

The next day Sharana’nandaji was called before Baba for reporting.

Baba looked at him and in His loving liila He abused him openly. Baba strongly rebuked him and said that those who have come in AM are not ordinary. They may have bad manners and their conduct may be irregular, but I have specially called them and they have come. So you must adjust with their behaviours. They have a special samskara. Do not superficially judge them by seeing their bad qualities or rude behaviour.

Baba lovingly scolded Sharana’nandaji in this manner.

Dada was shocked to hear this. First because he had not complained to anyone, just Baba was peering into his mind. Secondly, he realised that he must reconsider his relations with other workers and adjust with their poor dealing.

Certainly Baba must have strongly scolded the Dada who threw away Sharana’nandaji’s blanket. Sharana’nandaji did not know. All he knew was that he must have respect and love for all in the Marga because of their link with Baba. That is Baba’s wish and explicit direction.

This above story shows how Baba never judges any of His disciples based on external affairs but rather looks at their inner essence and feeling. And when He Himself says that all in AM have come because I have called them and that they have a special samskara, then we must always look favourably on everyone in AM – and love them.

That does not mean that we cannot point out their wrongdoing. We can in the social sphere, only with the sweet motive to clean them of their faults. Good margiis do like this because they know that all in AM are part of their kith and kin. So in our heart we must not have ill will toward them. Whether they do wrong or right, we must remember that they come to serve Him in some capacity and they have Baba’s love.

BABA STORY #2:

THE CASE YOUNG WT IN GORAKHPUR

This next story leads in the same direction.

One family acarya from Gorakhpur came to Baba to complain about one young Wt. The family acarya was telling about all kinds of incidents.

Baba immediately interjected and began scolding the family acarya and told him to look upon that young worker as his own son. Then Baba pointed out that the family acarya’s own son did not become a WT and was not even a margii. And not only that, Baba said that, “While you yourself were eating and enjoying at your house, this young worker was not even able to find any proper food in the jagrti.”

Baba continued, “But you never cared about that and never checked to see if he is alright. And now you are complaining to me about the behaviour of this young worker. Such is your audacity. You should be ashamed of yourself.”

Baba concluded, “I am His Father and I have to take care of Him. And you also should have love for him.”

After this incident, everyone stopped complaining about Wts – at least on the external level.

Again, here the point is not that wrongful behaviours should be overlooked entirely. We are to point out and seek the rectification of those bad devotees. But at the same time we should not harbor any negative feelings in the mind toward such bhaktas. Because all have come because of His call. They are not ordinary people and we should love them.

MOTHER-BABY ANALOGY

Just as a mother has inherent love for her progeny — regardless of what harm their children might cause, same is the case with Parama Purusa. He has innate and unconditional love for His children.

The mother may abuse and scold her children but she has love. Likewise Parama Purusa also may scold but His quantum of love is always present.

In the spiritual sphere, love is not unilateral. The bhakta has love for Him and in return Parama Purusa has much more love for His devotees.

Baba does not look at the qualities or conduct of bad devotees. His love is based on seeing the feeling in their heart. We should do the same.

This explains why despite all the mischief caused by some Central Dadas, even then Baba has blessed them and kept them close.

BABA’S BLESSING

By Baba’s grace He loves, cares for, and looks after all His devotees, whether they be good or bad. All have a special place in His heart.

Here we must remember the story of King Gayasura and how Lord Vishnu granted him three boons – keeping His feet always in his heart.

And Baba Himself approves this story.

Although this is the story of King Gayasura and Lord Vishnu, yet in reporting Baba Himself told and promised that He grants these same boons to all His devotees.

Then when Lord Vishnu granted the boon that the Lord’s feet will always be in the heart of the devotee, irregardless of their good and bad deeds, we must know that Baba has promised and guaranteed the same. That is the first boon.

Secondly, Baba also promises that those who have the Lord’s feet in their heart will get salvation. This is His second guarantee.

Lastly, if anyone with the Lords’ feet in their heart does not get liberation, then the Lord’s prestige is at stake. Thus He is bound to fulfill them.

So Baba guarantees the above boons for all devotees up to eternity and the only prerequisite for these boons is devotion. Then liberation is sure – and the noose of maya will be shattered.

All this Baba has guaranteed and by His grace I was there that time in reporting and by hearing Baba’s loving promise, then tears began flowing from all those present. The room was completely vibrated; Baba’s immense love and grace was emanating. We all felt especially graced by His infinite love and special promise. And this guarantee Baba has granted to every devotee – for all who have love for Him, irrespective of what wrongs and rights one commits in life. Such His the nature of His loving and unconditional boon.

Thus when Baba does not judge bad devotees poorly, neither should we. Their mistakes must be corrected in the social realm, but on the spiritual plane, we must think of even bad devotees as our kith and kin and love them, and know that Baba will take care for their salvation.

We should not judge any bhakta or even ourselves based on past sins. We should think about Him and cultivate love for all.

So the lesson given in the Gaya’sura story of old applies equally well today. That is why Baba has given this story again and again in His discourses. Because all bhaktas – even bad ones – have earned a place in His heart.

May we all focus not on the the poor behaviour of bad devotees butinstead adopt a high spiritual ideal.

Baba says, “Cherishing a strong desire to know and understand Him, think of Him, ideate on Him, meditate on Him – You will certainly attain Him.” (AMIWL-6)

Baba says, “…The wise and intelligent ideate less on their defects and demerits and more on the Supreme desideratum.” (A’nanda Va’nii #66)

Namaskar,
Shantatma

PRABHAT SAMGIITA

“Diner a’lote a’so ni, ele tumi a’ndha’re…” P.S. 2073

Purport:

Baba You are so merciful, You are so divine. Earlier when my life was full of happiness then that time You did not come; but now in this period of darkness You have come. It is Your grace. During my good days I wanted You to come and rejoice the occasion. But that did not happen– in the effulgence of the day You did not come. But now in the darkness of night You have come.* Baba, how You play Your liila.

Baba in the smile of the moon, You do not present Yourself. But when I was suffering in pain, then with the soothing balm You came and relieved me of my suffering. Baba, You have come in this cimmerian darkness when I am crying. Baba, everyone knows that You are most-loving; and everyone knows that You think about one and all. Even then they involve in logically analysing and reasoning about Your ways in order to strengthen their love for You– to love You in a deeper way.

O’ Baba, You are beginningless and Your abode is in infinity. In all the twelve months You remain constantly along with me– in pain and pleasure. Baba, You are the divine shelter of everyone; You are the heart of everyone, the Soul of souls. And by Your grace You pull everyone close to You. You never discard or ignore anyone– irrespective of how high or how low they are. Baba You have only come in this time of crying and suffering. In the good days when I was calling You then You did not come. Baba, Your glory is unfathomable; Your liila is beyond imagination; Baba, You are so gracious…

* Here Baba is using effulgence to represent those days of happiness and darkness symbolizes those periods of tears and sorrow.

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Mahaprayan Came from Islam

Date: 30 Oct 2011 07:28:51 -0000
From: “Subhash Deva”
To: am-global@earthlink.net
Subject: Mahaprayan Came from Islam

Baba

“A’ndha’r periye a’pani esecho…” (PS #41)

Purport:

“…You (Baba) came from beyond the veil of darkness, and You loved me without caring for my qualifications and disqualifications. This is nothing but Your mercy, and that is why I say that You are mine. And You (Baba) have taught me how to love You…”

== MAHAPRAYAN CAME FROM ISLAM ==

Namaskar,
The so-called Mahaprayan programme was copied from Islam. Here is the proof – read carefully.

JUST A RESULT OF APE PSYCHOLOGY

It is a natural human tendency to copy what others around them are doing. It is just like ape psychology. Apes imitate everything. Humans also have this tendency: To copy others.

In day to day life, people copy new fashions, new ways of eating, new ways of cheating as well as helping. Everything gets copied by others for their own interest.

It is quite clear that the inventors of Mahaprayan copied their ways of observing Mahaprayan from Islamic holy tomb worship.

Read below and you will find many striking similarities between (a) the 800 year old Islamic pilgrimage / gathering at Ajmer Sharif for the tomb worship of their great Sufi saint and (b) the recently invented Mahaprayan programme in Tiljala.

For instance, both programmes are exactly six days long and employ many of the same rituals & tactics like tomb worship, prasad, money collection, mass feeding, asking for boons etc. Only the language is different: Arabic versus Bangla and Sanskrit.

I wonder who copied from whom? Seeing that the Muslim ceremony has been going on since the 13th century, it is quite clear. Read below – it all becomes self-evident.

PAY HEED TO BABA’S WARNING

MUST ONLY FOLLOW HIS GUIDELINES

It is unfortunate that despite Almighty Baba’s warnings about such dogmatic ways of worshiping Him, now His own so-called disciples are doing the very things He warned against. All His divine teachings of sadhana have been pushed aside and in place of that tomb worship has started.

Reverence to Baba means following His guidelines and not following the guidelines of the dogmatic religions in name of Baba.

Baba Shrii Shrii Anandamurti ji has given thousands of discourses, but nowhere will you find instructions for observing Mahaprayan as it is going on now. Only in Islamic scriptures can you get such guidelines.

As a sincere devotees of Baba we should follow all the sadhana lessons to meditate on Him, and read furthermore from Subhasita Samgraha. We must not follow the dogma of Islam.

THE ISLAMIC DOGMA OF

DARGAH SHARIF OF AJMER IN RAJASTHAN, INDIA

WHICH IS SIMILAR TO MAHAPRAYAN DIVAS

“The six-day Urs (death ceremony or Mahaprayan in Sanskrit) commemorates the death anniversary of the prophet Moin-ud-din Chisti. It is held in the Islamic month of Rajab, the time when the Khwaja (deceased saint) became one with Allah and died. Muslims from all over India and even abroad throng Ajmer during the festival.”

“Every year Urs (Mahaprayan) is held here for six days in his remembrance. It is said that when he was 114 years old, the saint locked himself in a room for six days to pray and left his mortal body in solitude.”

“The Dargah (tomb) Sharif Ajmer, located at the foot of a barren hill, is the place where the Khawaja Moinuddin Chishti mortal remains lie buried. The Dargah (tomb) with a marble dome is situated in the center of a courtyard and is surrounded by a silver platform. It’s believed that the shrine is a place of wish fulfillment for those who pray with devout and pure hearts.”

“The most important of all Muslim pilgrimage centers in India, the dargah (tomb) of Khwaja Moin-ud-din Chisti at Ajmer Sharif.”

“The shrine or tomb comes alive with activity when millions of devotees throng the shrine during Urs (Mahaprayan) fair. Urs (Mahaprayan) is held on the seventh lunar month according to Islamic calendar and is variable according to the solar calendar. Sufis and believers converge from all over India and abroad, as it is believed that those visiting during Urs (Mahaprayan) receives special blessings of the saint.”

“The best time to visit is during the Dargah (tomb) Sharif of Ajmer in Rajasthan, India. The dargah (tomb) becomes a hub of activity in the seventh month of the lunar calendar when the Urs (Mahaprayan) is held to mark the death anniversary of the divine saint.”

“Several thousand devotees throng to this place during this time of the year and food is cooked in huge cauldrons and served to the devotees.”

“Upon arriving at the shrine, one has to make the entry from the Dargah (tomb) Bazaar. This would lead to the first courtyard. There is a mosque built by Emperor Akbar in this courtyard. There are also present two cauldrons or degs, where donations could be made.”

“Devotees visit Ajmer Sharif to be blessed by the Khwaja (deceased saint). When their prayers are answered, their wishes fulfilled, they come again to offer the promised gilaf (velvet cloth), ittar (perfume), etc. Besides these offerings, they also recite the holy Qur’an (holy scripture), nafal namaz, milad and aayat-e-karima and khatam khawajgan.”

“It is revered by people of all faiths. It is situated 135 km from Jaipur and is renowned for fulfilling the wishes of the followers. Apart from the devout Muslims, people of other religions throng the holy dargah (tomb) and pray for the fulfillment of their desires. The devotees also offer flowers, velvet cloth, perfume (non-alcoholic) and sandalwood at the shrine or tomb.”

“The dargah is the tomb of the sublime Sufi saint who came to Ajmer from Persia and died in 1236. It was built by emperor Humayun. Later, rulers like Shahjahan, Jahangir and Akbar also constructed mosques here.”

“Khidmat is the cleaning of the mazar (tomb) and offering fresh flowers to it. The ceremony is performed twice a day. In the early morning at 4.00 a.m., the main entrance of the tomb is opened with the call of azan (call of prayer). It is performed for about half an hour before the fajar prayer. Only khadims are allowed to perform the khidmat. The same ritual is performed at 3 p.m., though somewhat differently.”

“At this auspicious time, all the pilgrims are allowed inside except the ladies. Along with the offering of flowers, the khadims recite fateha and offer sandalwood, which is later distributed among the pilgrims.”

“The Urs (Mahaprayan) begins with flag hoisting at the Buland Darwaza. The main entrance to the holy tomb remains open throughout the day and night, and the entire place is decked up with the special shops, lights and festoons.”

“The closing ceremony of the tomb is known as karka. It takes place an hour after the isha prayer. The custom is that 20 minutes before closing the door, as the fifth part of the night passes, a person calls to ring five and the clock sounds five times. The devotees present inside the tomb are asked to leave and three khadims clean and sweep the tomb. When the bell rings six times, the qawwals sing a special karka song. The doorways of the tomb are closed after the ceremony.”

“Qawwali (bhajan, kiirtan, Prabhat Samgiita) is an integral part of the rituals here. A qawwali is a song in the praise of Allah. They are sung by the qawwals (devotional singer) at the Mehfil-e-Sama in front of the mazar (tomb) after the fajar namaz, magrib namaz, and isha namaz are over Qur’an Recital. The Qur’an recital takes place everyday at Jama Masjid (main jagrti) and Alamgir Masjid.”

“The dargah (tomb) has a special daily ceremony called the langar (free food of death ceremony) in which devotees are served wheat porridge cooked in a special grass. It is said that the same porridge was eaten by the Khwaja (deceased saint) himself. Even emperor Akbar used to stand in queue to take the langar (free food of death ceremony) along with other commoners. Devotees can go for the langar (free food of death ceremony) after commencing the isha prayer.”

“The Urs (Mahaprayan) culminates with the Qul ceremony, which takes place on the last day. It is an extremely important day. The day commences with prayer in the morning, followed by the gathering of people at the holy tomb. A series of activities like the recital of the Qur’an (holy scripture like Subhasita Samgraha), Darood, Shijra-e-Chishtia and other verses follows this. Afterwards, people tie small turbans on each other’s head and pray for welfare of the entire
community.”

“Hazrat Khwaja Moin-ud-din Chisti (deceased saint) was the founder of Islam in India. He was one of the greatest preachers in the world. The revered prophet undertook to propagate Islam in India by the most peaceful means and with great forbearance. When Khwaja (deceased saint) arrived, the Muslim community in India was not as large as it is now. The Khwaja (deceased saint), by his noble teaching, touched the hearts of everyone who came his way.”

COMPARING THE TWO

Now compare both: The tomb worship in Ajmer and in Kolkata.

They (1) both have tomb worships; (2) both are 6-day program of chanting and kiirtan; (3) both offer free shraddha food; (4) both are annual gatherings; (5) both entail requesting boons; and much more.

Plus in both the worshipers think a great saint died.

Although Parama Purusa, Shrii Shrii Anandamurti ji, does not die but those who attend think He has died. This point is both similar because they feel He is gone forever.

So the Muslim saint died and those followers think he died so that is fine. With regards to Baba, Shrii Shrii Anandamurti ji, He did not die but Mahaprayan participants think He died. So from participants perspective it is 100% same. Both are death ceremonies. Both are places where people go and cry.

Thus the Islamic program in Ajmer and the Mahaprayan program in Tiljala are strikingly familiar. The latter is an exact copy of the former.

WHY THEY COPIED IT

Why did Sarvatmananda ji copy it? The answer is very simple. Several thousand Muslim priests enjoy their material life by the generous offerings of devotees who come each year for the death ceremony programme. It is lucrative programme for those priests. And Saravatmananda wanted the same. So financial capital is one reason behind the current Mahaprayan program.

Secondly, hosting a Mahapryan programme in Tilajala is supportive of their crude desire of geo-sentiment. They know Bengal must have something to attract such naive margiis who do not read Baba’s books critically.

Their goal is to portray Tiljala as a tiirtha (pilgrimage) to attract money and people.

BABA’S BLESSING

By Baba’s grace we should strictly follow His below teaching and not turn any crude physical spot into a place of worship. Mahaprayan is just one copy of Islamic dogma – we must not fall in this trap. By His grace we are to realise Him within.

“Vya’pitvm ca…dine”

Baba says, “The Supreme Being is omnipresent, all-pervading and witness to everything, everywhere. It is not proper to confine Him to a particular place and say that He has eaten butter at this place or taken a dip in the Ganges at that particular place, thus limiting Him to a particular region or a particular country or the glorification of a particular sacred place, and thereby limit His all-pervasiveness” (AV-11, p.29)

Namaskar,
Subhash

Note: CAN ONLY BE A COPY OF ISLAMIC DOGMA

This type of death ceremony of Mahaprayan is only done in India by Muslims.

Lord Krsna, Lord Shiva, the mythological Rama, and all kinds of gods and goddesses from Hindu religion never die. Nobody reaches to some spot to celebrate Lord Buddha’s passing.

Hence Mahaprayan can only be a copy of Islamic dogma. It is quite obvious that Sarvatmananda ji wanted such a tiirtha related with the death so he copied Islam.

It is very disgracefull that when Shrii Shrii Anandamurti ji does not die, even then the inventors and participants of Mahaprayan treat Him as ordinary mortal who dies.

I request participants to please consider and think about what you are doing. If you are not following Baba, He will not harm you, but nature will not spare you.

***************************************
– The Solution –

Baba says, “Whenever there is a conflict between the brain and the heart, intelligent people should respond to the call of the heart. The books in A’nanda Ma’rga philosophy are all absolute knowledge. The proper mark of identity of absolute knowledge is that it must be universal, rational and psychological. Certain instances of absolute knowledge are as follows –the goal of human life is the attainment of Brahma; human beings are the progeny of Parama Purus’a…by dint of sa’dhana’ or spiritual practices human beings gradually become divine.” (PNS-18, p.10)
***************************************

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Danger of Having & Not Having…

Date: Sat, 29 Oct 2011 19:01:28 -0000
To: am-global@earthlink.net
From: “Hariish Dev”
Subject: Danger of Having & Not Having…

Baba

== DANGER OF HAVING AND NOT HAVING KNOWLEDGE ==

Namaskar,
As we know, on the path of yoga, balance is the key. There must not be too much nor too little of anything. Whether it be food, sadhana & service, study, or any other endeavour, everything must be in balance. That is our approach and that is why AM is madhya ma’rga, or the middle path.

Baba is also careful to point out that this balance applies to the realm of knowledge as well. Having too much or too little knowledge is dangerous. That is Baba’s teaching.

DANGER OF TOO MUCH KNOWLEDGE

According to Baba, knowledge is to be attained only for arriving at the proper path. And that proper path, of course, is the path of spirituality, or sadhana. Beyond that, the the over-accumulation or misuse of knowledge is a liability, a hazard. That is the problem with having too much knowledge, or knowledge that is misdirected

Here is Baba’s brief story about this.

Baba says, “Physical [worldly] knowledge is like the leaf of a shala tree [a tall evergreen with large leaves] on which people take meals. As long as you have not eaten, there is a value in the leaf, but the moment you have finished your meal, the leaf goes into the dust bin to be licked by the street dogs. When you come to realize that this physical knowledge of yours is only worth licking by a dog, then devotion will arise in you. Then you will acquire true knowledge.” (SS-19)

In the above story:

(a) The person holding the leaf is a sadhaka;

(b) The leaf plate (pattal) is knowledge.

(c) The food on the leaf that gets eaten represents that knowledge which we internalise and use in our practical spiritual life, i.e. sadhana.

(d) The food that remains on the leaf after the meal is that mundane knowledge which has no utility in our spiritual practice.

(e) MORAL OF THE STORY: The leftover food on the leaf, i.e. that knowledge which is not used for sadhana and spiritual life, is useless and should be tossed aside and licked by dogs. It has no value in our human growth and development.

APPLYING THIS IN LIFE

Baba’s basic teaching is that we should be careful not to fill our lives with excess knowledge that has no practical value in. Rather all that we learn should be internalised and used to enhance our own spiritual life and serve others.

The classic example of over accumulation of knowledge is the proverbial university professor who has all kinds of theoretical knowledge and can speak Latin and Greek, but has no idea what food to eat, how to take care of himself, or how to help others. All day long he wastes his time in accumulating more and more knowledge that has no practical value nor any use in life. This is not the proper way to live on this earth. That is just like excess food that should be tossed aside and eaten by dogs.

CASES OF EXCESS KNOWLEDGE INSIDE AM

Unfortunately we do not just see this unfolding outside AM. This over-accumulation or misutilisation of knowledge happens inside our Marga as well. Please excuse me, but we see this occurring with some, certainly not all, but with a few of our wholetimers, and even some margii postholders etc.

For instance, every WT has expert theoretical understanding of yama and niyama. They teach these tenets all day long. Yet a few of our wholetimers engage in smuggling, living a luxurious lifestyle, or even skipping their sadhana lessons. In that case, all that (excess) knowledge that they acquired about yama and niyama is useless. It has no practical value.

Instead it is a liability. Because those few wts think that they know everything about yama and niyama, and hence they cannot be taught by others. Such Wts have a vanity of knowledge. Yet what they “know”, they do not follow in their daily life. In which case that “knowledge” is nothing but an impediment to their growth.

And the worst part is that since they think they know something, then they are neither able to listen to others, nor willing to learn from others.

Then of course there is the case with those few Wts who follow groupism. Each and every one of these workers (i.e. the few who indulge in groupism) can give a beautiful two-hour lecture on neohumanism and universalism, but in their own life they are confirmed groupists.

And in turn, they will use their knowledge in tricky ways, i.e. to convince others with flowery language to also join their group, yet all along they will speak of the virtues of universalism. Unfortunately, this is how some WTs have lured unsuspecting margiis and field workers into their group.

All this then is also just a clear-cut case of accumulating excess or misused knowledge. Knowledge for knowledge sake, or just theoretical understanding, is that which takes no proper expression in their own life. Knowledge is to be internalised, not collected, nor used to misguide others. That is Baba’s teaching, nay His strict warning.

Baba says, “If people have developed intellects which are not properly directed, and there is no administration of the sadvipras, people become polished satans and inflict sufferings on others.” (AFPS-6)

The worst outcome then is if people use knowledge to misguide and deceive others. Baba terms such persons as “polished satans”. We should be wary of such beings.

To the degree that we can bring theoretical knowledge into benevolent practice is the degree to which our knowledge base is useful to us. One should not thrust themselves onto the road to hell by using their hard-earned knowledge to deceive others for selfish causes. Such persons future is not bright.

WHY THEY DO THIS

The next question one might ask is why they do this.

Often people, and some WTs get allured into accumulating knowledge in order to place themselves above others. They think having huge knowledge will enhance their prestige and others will come up to them and say, “Oh Sir, or Oh Dada, you are so knowledgeable and wise…” But this type of false vanity or arrogance will just turn one into a beggar for others’ praise. Internally one will feel empty and dry and the so-called knowledge that they do have will not help them progress in life.

Or they seek out excess knowledge in order to satisfy their selfish agenda. They search for words and phrases that support their personal or group interest, and skip over the greater meaning of the discourse. People who justify fake Ananda Vaniis, dogmas, crude programs like so-called Mahaprayan, and tirithas fall into this catetory. This type of manipulation of knowledge also falls in the category of over-accumulation or misutilisation of knowledge.

So one must not engage in this over-accumalation / misuse of knowledge. That knowledge which helps one grow and serve others should be internalised and practiced (such as sadhana, dhyana, kiirtan, science, philosophy), and that knowledge which is superfluous to one’s life should be tossed aside and licked by dogs.

THE OPPOSITE END OF THE SPECTRUM: LACK OF KNOWLEDGE

From all of the above, one should be careful of their use of knowledge, but one must not then think that accumulating any kind of knowledge is therefore a burden. Knowledge is necessary and needed: It should be pursued wisely and with sincerity, not just to enhance one’s prestige or to misguide others.

As we know, Baba considers study to be essential. Without study or without knowledge, one will be prone to being exploited. That is His other clear-cut warning.

This we see happening outside the Marga, as happened with so many native populations or in the case of people with shudra mentality. Either they sold their land for a song, or they got tricked into making a bad trade, or they got duped into sending their children to schools that did not recognise the local language etc. All these instances are cases of
exploitation where one party lacked the sufficient knowledge.

Unfortunately, once again we see this happening in our Marga. Of course this does not apply to everyone and since 1990 things have been getting better, but unfortunately due to a lack of knowledge a few continue to get exploited.

As Baba warns us, this often happens due to a distinct lack of knowledge.

Baba says, “If there is a dearth of intellectual pabulum and the intellectual standard of the people is not high, they can take “dos” to be “don’ts” and vice versa.” (AFPS-6)

As Ananda Margiis it is essential that we study and review Baba’s ideological teachings, then we will not be prone to getting misguided by others. Then we will not get duped about the curtailment of BP rights, or false money collecting, or whatever else some Dadas do behind their tall talks.

Unfortunately, due to a lack of knowledge, some become duped into fulfilling the agenda of certain crude Dadas, and in this way such innocent people degenerate terribly.

Baba says, “Where the intellectual standard of the people is low, people commit blunders – prompted by such leaders they become beasts.” (AFPS-6)

Tragically, when some Dadas get convinced to kill one of our own acaryas as in the case of our dear brother Ac. Abhipremannda Avt, then we have to think they were blinded due to their own lack of knowledge. In this way they were deceived into committing a heinous crime.

Hence the cultivation of right knowledge is essential.

Neither should we stuff ourselves with knowledge to create a sense of false vanity or to dupe and deceive others, nor should we remain ignorant about AM teachings and then get exploited at the hands of some opportunistic factional leaders.

Regarding knowledge, we should find balance in life. That is Baba’s teaching.

BABA’S BLESSING

By His grace we are to develop ourselves in the right way, along the path of vidya, and be vigilant to expose and dethrone those who use knowledge to strangle or misguide humanity.

Baba says, “When will the three causes of sin be removed? Only when the sadvipras will be ready to fight against them with an iron hand. Today, at this hour, it is my call to the sadvipras of the world not to delay any longer. They should march ahead and save humanity and make the path of humanity free of thorns.” (AFPS-6)

Namaskar
Hariish

Note 1: HOW TO USE OUR KNOWLEDGE

Baba says, “The duty of the sadvipras will be to hammer these stagnant people who are a burden to society, who suffer from inertness in their physico-psychic sphere, at the appropriate moment so that the path of human progress becomes straight, clear and well-constructed.” (AFPS-6)

PRABHAT SAMGIITA

“Esechile a’ma’r ghare kon se pu’rn’ima’y…” (PS 4075)

Purport:

Baba, by Your divine grace You came to my house on one full moon night. It was such a memorable and unforgettable occasion. With Your infinite grace, in song, in dance, and with the pull of the heart, You made me lose myself in Your divine splendour. Baba, I became fully enthralled and captivated by Your exquisite beauty.

Baba, by Your grace on that special full-moon night You compassionately listened to all the inner feelings of my heart. You intimately understood all my suffering. Baba, by Your grace You gently removed whatever pain I had. With the august presence of Your sweetness, on that very full moon night, You created one beautiful époque in my life.

Baba,it is beyond my understanding why You suddenly went away– leaving me all alone. Since then so many seasons have passed in waiting for You. Now after such a long time, that distant memory of Your divine arrival to my house on that full moon night has become completely covered by the thick fog of time.

Baba, please be gracious and come to me. Please do not forget that You are mine and I am Yours…

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Selection of Males and Females

Baba says, “It is very beneficial for society if people of sublime intelligence and brilliance reproduce more off-spring. The responsibility of rendering proper nourishment to the progeny of such persons will have to be taken by society and the government itself.” (PNS-13, p.47)
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Baba Story: “I Will Become Good”

Baba Story: “I Will Become Good”
From: “Gagan” To: AM-GLOBAL
Subject: Baba Story: “I Will Become Good”
Date: Fri 28 Oct 2011 20:16:02 -0000

Baba

“Dhu’lir dharn’iite madhurii d’ha’lite tumi esecho a’jike…” – P.S. 3383

Purport:

Baba, by Your divine grace You have taken advent today to inundate this dusty earth with the sweetness Your divinity. Baba, You have come to give the balm of soothing nectar to those grief-stricken people who are crying in agony. And by Your grace You console them by telling: ‘Don’t worry I am with You; I will remove all your sufferings’. Baba, You have come to grant the power of speech to those who are mute and dumb. By that way, thinking of You, they can rise up and fight against disparities, injustices and exploitation. Baba, by Your grace for all these reasons You have come.

Baba, for all those who were lagging behind; for those downtrodden people who do not get any respect; and for those most neglected souls who lost everything and have no money nor social prestige; for them, You have broken the jail of cimmerian darkness and staticity of their life. Baba, by Your grace You have smashed all those negative social bondages that were keeping these helpless people suppressed. Baba, by Your divine grace You have brought peace and effulgence into their lives. Baba, with Your divine love and attraction, You tenderly pull everyone close to You and bless one and all. Baba, You have wiped away the differences of rich and poor, high and low, and touchable and untouchable. And by Your grace You have lovingly brought all types of people together and joined them with one beautiful thread. Baba, today You have taken advent Yourself on this trouble-torn earth to grace everyone.

Baba, those who were suffering from hopelessness and those who were submerged in cimmerian darkness, for them You have taken advent today. And in the shyness of their newly found joy, all these people have accepted You as their Goal. They have accepted You as their everything and surrendered at Your alter. The entire creation has gotten blessed by Your divine effulgence. In a very happy and exalted state, everyone has begun moving ahead, joyfully. Baba, with Your divine love and compassion You have come on this dusty earth to bless everyone. You are grace personified…

== BABA STORY: “I WILL BECOME GOOD” ==

Namaskar,
Those days in 1989, Baba was working and directing our Marga at a spectacular pace – anyone around clearly remembers this. Baba was implementing one program after another and side by side watching out for the development and welfare of each and every disciple.

During one particular reporting session Baba lovingly, yet sternly, looked at one worker and began strongly rebuking and punishing that Wt for his serious wrongdoing. It was later found out that that Dada had indulged in various sexual crimes.
So on that day Baba was purifying that Wt of his sin. Of course inwardly, Baba was exuding His great charm and love – all could feel that – yet outwardly Baba was beating that worker ferociously.

Then directly after giving punishment, Baba looked over at GS Dada and said, “Now he (i.e. the Wt who was punished) is an ideal human being.” Then GS Dada turned directly towards that Wt and said, “Now you are an ideal human being.”

Then that worker replied, “I will become good.”

And GS Dada then repeated the same back to Baba.

In His divine liila, immediately Baba became furious and said, “What!! WILL become good?!? What nonsense!! Not WILL become good…He HAS become good!’. Then GS Dada turned towards that worker and repeated, “You HAVE become good.” And the Dada hurriedly said, “I HAVE become good.” Only then Baba was satisfied.

Shortly thereafter, reporting was over and everyone went about their various duties etc. But during that time, that Dada was again thinking about his old lustful ways. He reverted back to his past habits.

How do we know this? Because later on that day, another reporting was held and at one point during that second session, Baba looked over around said, “Pashu!! (animal!!) who is it that is thinking such negative and crude thoughts in our AM compound – where is that person – who is doing such things!” Then the Wts searched all around and made inquiries and finally they caught the guilty party. It was the same Wt who had previously sinned and promised to have become good.

Then with His eyes cast on that Wt, Baba said, “Were You the one thinking those negative thoughts in this campus.” The Wt looked down at his feet admitting guilt.

Baba continued, “So you were still thinking about your nasty ways!!.”

This was Baba’s divine liila wherein He would express His love in dramatic ways for the welfare of His bhaktas.

Baba continued, “You made my ashram impure and dirty by your negative thinking. One should never do like that. One should not think of their past sins. Get him out of here! Kick him out! This is not the place for this! Already I have given him too many chances!”

So in the grand liila of it all, the Wt was pushed out. And sometime later in His contemplative and sweet manner, Baba said that he should be called back and immediately the worker was allowed to re-enter the ashram. This was Baba’s very gracious and forgiving nature to always lovingly accept one and all. Ultimately though, it has to be noted that in the end, some months later, that worker left his wt-ship entirely, on his own accord.

MUST NOT LOOK BACK AT ONE’S PAST SINS

Here the whole point of Baba’s teaching is that if one does any misdeed or sinful activity, then one must repent, rectify the matter, yet never, ever look back at those past mistakes. So on that particular day, Baba was showering His immense grace on that worker as He was removing all that terrible sin from that Wt. Due to Baba’s fathomless grace, He made that worker clean and pure all over again. All that Wt had to do was keep his mind away from such dirty thoughts – nothing more. So Baba truly blessed that worker by wiping away the ill-effect of so many crude sins.

Even then, due to his improper approach of again & again harboring those sinful ideas, that worker fell into the negative trap of mentally reviewing his lustful indgulgences – and by that way he could not keep his balance and he left.

The overarching ideal that Baba is giving is that one must never think about one’s past sins. One must move on and think about Him. That is the whole idea.

ALL HAVE SOMETHING IN THEIR PAST

Because each and every person on this earth has been born with various samskaras and in this life or their past life, one has committed countless sins. Everyone has some garbage in their past. But Baba does not want us to think of those things– that has no value, rather doing so is harmful as it will stain and dirty the mind. Never should one knowingly or consciously indulge in that habit of thinking about their past mistakes.

Actually, the mind is such that it will automatically bring those crude ideas even when we do not want them to come and our job is to rid the mind of such impure thoughts. Those thoughts may come in sadhana or when moving in the town etc, yet always we are to push that crude thought aside by singing kiirtan or repeating our mantra or by thinking of Him.

So there is no need to consciously think of those old, impure memories of old. Such thoughts will only drag us down. Never should we harbour them in our mental plate.

As sadhakas we must always wipe away the burdens of the past by channeling the mind towards spirituality.

BABA’S TEACHING: FREE THE MIND OF ONE’S PAST MISTAKES

And here in this shloka Baba is giving this very directive that one must never allow the mind to get stuck thinking about past misdeeds.

Yassa pure ca pa pacche ca majjhe ca natthi kiuncanam’;
Akiunca’nam’ ana’da’nam’ tamaham’ bru’mi bra’hman’am.

Baba says, “I will call that person a Brahman whose mind does not run after any colour, who is neither obsessed by colour-laden thoughts of the past nor influenced by such thoughts of the present…One must free the mind from the influence of all colours. ” (NKS, Disc: 24)

Thus Baba’s divine teaching is that we should never burden or dirty ourselves by thinking of one’s past misdeeds and sins. We are to keep the mind light and and colourless not become beleaguered by the things of old.

So Baba’s teaching is quite clear– He has left no scope for confusion or ambiguity. One must never entertain the crude recollection of their past misdeeds or sins.

YET SOME DADAS TELL…

Yet on occasion on or another avadhuta actively promotes the idea that to overcome one’s ego one must think about their past sins. This is the “special formula” some Dada has given.

They say that to overcome the ego one must think about their past mistakes– otherwise one will never be able to overcome the ego.

Obviously, this goes against Baba’s divine teaching because Baba says that thinking about one’s past misdeeds will only lead to one’s degeneration. It has no positive outcome– it will not help one overcome the ego. That is why Baba strongly warns us never to do like that– and indeed no true sadhaka does. Rather we are to lighten our mind by forgetting about one’s past sins and channeling our thoughts towards Him.

BABA’S TRUE REMEDY FOR OVERCOMING THE EGO

The only question remains then is what is the proper way to overcome feelings of vanity and ego– since thinking about one’s past wrongs is certainly not the proper way.

For this Baba has given one beautiful remedy.

Baba guides us that we are to think that, ‘He is the Doer and Giver of everything. He has given us our sadhana, our intellect, and our energy to act. And not only that, He is the owner of everything. It all belongs to Him. There is nothing we own and all our talents are not our own bur rather His gifts unto us.’

By thinking like this and remembering our sadhana, then one can never develop any feeling of vanity or ego. Because the mind will always be immersed in the sweet ideal, that everything comes from Him. It is all due to His grace and divine will.

BABA’S BLESSING

By Baba’s grace He has given us the proper way to keep the mind free of impure thoughts and He clearly tells us in so many discourses never ever to think of one’s past mistakes and sins. This we should not do. Thus when one avadhuta gives such ill-fated advice on email, we should not pay any heed. Let us again and again remember that we are to follow the mandates of our Guru, and not any second or third entity. Here again is Baba’s special teaching.

Baba says, “You should think within that you are ever pure and enlightened – you are a child of Parama Purus’a. You should think that you are like a newborn baby who remains untouched or unaffected by the dirt and dross of sin.” (AMWIL-11)

Namaskar,
Gagan

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Origin of Polo

Baba says, “The well-known modern game of polo originated in Manipur’s Kobe Valley…Originally, only royal princes used to play the horse-riding game of polo. For that a very hard ball was needed. The kind of bamboo that was used, used to grow in the eastern portion of Rarh, in slightly salty soil. Still today the best bamboo for making polo balls grows in the Uluberia suvdivision of Howrah District and in Midnapore District’s Tamluk subdivision.” (SC-3, p. 71)
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Negative Dhya’na Unknowingly

From: “Gagan Deva”
To: am-global@earthlink.net
Subject: Negative Dhya’na Unknowingly
Date: Thu, 27 Oct 2011 20:09:18 +0000

Baba

== NEGATIVE DHYA’NA UNKNOWINGLY ==

Namaskar,
This is a topic that applies to everyone: margiis & non-margiis alike.

Because everyone – every human being – thinks. If one is not thinking then the mind will essentially disintegrate and die. So, by definition, we all think.

People think about their boss, their girlfriend, their enemy, their lost love, their money, their house, their pet dog, their misdeeds etc. People think about so many things. And when they think about that thing they invariably apply various tanmatras or inferences: touch, form, sound etc. In essence they are doing dhya’na, or more precisely negative dhya’na.

But what people fail to understand is that their thinking – or negative dhya’na – totally dictates their future to the degree that one will actually become or be reborn as what they were thinking about.

This has an absolutely dramatic, if not disastrous, effect. Let’s take this entire topic step by step.

“AS YOU THINK SO YOU BECOME”

In AM, we have all heard the proverb, “As you think so you become.” And we all know that we should ideate on our is’t’a mantra cent-per-cent of the time. All these things we know. This theory is not new to anyone in AM.

But how seriously we truly consider the consequences of not doing this is another matter.

Baba says, “If the mental force is directed towards finite and crude objects, then the person is ultimately converted into crudeness. As you think so you become.” (AMIWL-1)

Even then some of us may be thinking that, “This cannot happen to me – I will not be changed into crudity.”

Yet that is exactly what happens.

WHO BECOMES WHAT

As stated in the beginning everyone thinks; everyone holds an idea and image in their mind. The irony is that often times – due to human weakness – people do not hold their highest ideal in mind, but rather something else.

For instance, many Muslims are often thinking day-long about their hatred of Hindus. Likewise, many Jews think of their enemies in the Muslim world. They think intensely in this manner, with vivid imagery and with strong emotion.

And do you know what happens? Such Muslims actually are reborn as Hindus and such Jews are verily reborn as Muslims. This is the way it works.

Same is the case with Ku Klux Klan members who despise black people as well as with certain Frenchmen who hate Algerians etc.

Baba says, “It is the natural wont of the mind to take the shape of its object of meditation. If the object of worship is crude, say money or any crude thing, the mind takes the shape of that crude thing in the course of time. Hence the proverb “As you think so you become.” For instance, when someone constantly thinks of a ghost, he actually becomes a ghost one day. One then starts behaving in an abnormal way. Again, someone concentrates upon two hundred dollars, one day the person will become an actual dollar. Hence human beings should be very, very cautious in what they ideate upon, in their objects of contemplation.” (AV-12)

Baba says, “One acquires a physical body according to the nature of one’s sam’ska’ras [unmanifested mental reactions]. Hence it is not at all impossible for a human being to be reborn as a hog, a worm, a tree, or even a piece of stone.” (AMIWL-7)

So it is not just limited to a Muslim turning into a Hindu or a Jew turning into a Muslim. A person will turn into whatever they ideate on – and again everyone ideates. Indeed, at present so many people on this earth are sunk in the practice of negative dhya’na. Yet they are totally unaware of the severe ramifications.

In the above teachings, Baba pointedly warns us and categorically states that a person will become a ghost or crude money, or verily anything, even a hog, a worm, or a spittoon – if that is what they think about. So everyone should be made aware of the horrors of doing negative dhya’na.

There are so who intently think about their pet dog will be reborn a dog. Indeed whatever it is that we love or hate – or whatever we think about – that is what we will become, either in this life or the next.

Those who mentally curse their boss and think about their boss when not at the job will be transformed into that negative boss. They will be that one day.

A LITTLE MORE ABOUT HOW IT WORKS

One other thing should be said. This entire phenomenon is not like one magic show, as in “poof” all of a sudden one becomes a frog. It happens gradually.

For instance, if one thinks about their boss and their boss is someone who gets angry easily, then that negative vrtti of anger will soon take shape in their mind as well. And then due to that continued thought, or negative dhyana, in that very life or the next, they may become exactly like that boss, in all the ways – physically, mentally, everything.

So little by little we acquire the samskaras or properties of whatever we are thinking about.

Here is another example that people should be aware about.

In the west, people may not be afraid of ghosts, but they may be scared of so many other imaginary things. They may be paranoid that nobody loves them, and then sadly over time that becomes their living reality. They truly think and feel that really nobody loves them. This becomes their reality, even when others really do love them.

This approach or negative dhyana probably accounts for a huge number of the cases of depression and related mental diseases in the more so-called developed nations like the USA. People harbor a negative thought in mind and ultimately they become a living representation of that thought or fear.

As far as possible we should warn and teach those in the general society about this entire process. They must know about it, lest they destroy not only this life but the next one also.

ANANDA MARGIIS ARE NOT EXEMPT

All of the above applies to all Ananda Margiis as well. Just because we have been initiated into tantra does not mean we cannot fall onto that path of negative pratisaincara. Indeed so many sadhakas have fallen. We must be cent-per-cent involved in our sadhana. We must ideate and do dhyana on Him.

Unfortunately, by the looks of things, it seems that some Dadas may be doing negative dhya’na on their “groupist enemies”. They may pass their days planning and plotting against their rivals. In that case, they will acquire those very samskaras and be reborn as a Bengali etc.

Then there are some Dadas who are so fascinated with their new car. Such was the case of one Amurt worker in the USA. This Wt was enamoured with his sports car. Hopefully by now he has given up that negative ideation. If not, surely he will be reborn as a piece of metal or as a steering wheel.

Whatever may be, if we just do our mantra japa for a few minutes during sadhana, and then the entire rest of the 24hrs we are involved in all kinds of mundane thoughts and longings, then that most certainly will affect our future.

Because whatever direction in which the mind is colored is the direction in which we will grow. Whether it be money, fame, prestige, land, etc, whatever we ideate on will become our living reality, sooner or later. This is the natural law.

Thus we also should not get caught in the trappings of doing negative dhya’na.

WHAT IS THE WAY OUT

The question that invariably arises is how are we to proceed. Here Baba gives the answer.

Baba says, “Whenever any thought arises in the mind, it should be immediately channelled towards Parama Purus’a. You should say: “O Parama Purus’a, Thy will be done“.” (NKS, Disc: 23)

The only way then is to direct all our thoughts and energies towards Parama Purusa and serve Him in all respects, always. This demands strong sadhana and proper use of Guru mantra. Then we will be cent-per-cent safe.

Even then, as human beings we have so many emotions running through the mind. How are we to deal with all of these.

Here again, Baba has given us the answer and best tool: Prabhat Samgiita.

In His Prabhat Samgiita, the full range of human emotions are expressed and in each song those emotions are goaded towards the Supreme. So whenever we feel angry, then we should direct that anger towards Baba, not to our spouse, or boss, or whomever we are angry with. When we direct our anger towards Baba then we are thinking of Him and that is proper dhyana.

And that is the way all our emotions are to be addressed. Our love, our infatuation, our desires, our longings, our sadness, our loneliness etc. Each and every emotion is to be goaded towards Baba. Then our success is sure.

That is what Baba has taught us in Prabhat Samgiita.

BABA’S BLESSING

This entire topic of doing negative dhya’na is a slippery slope. People the world over, non-margiis certainly and some margiis too, get verily caught in this negative approach and it ruins their future. All should be warned accordingly and all should then be extremely cautious and careful about how they ideate in life. No one should allow mundane or crude thinking – i.e. negative dhya’na – to be part of their mental flow, lest they wish to destroy their future.

Here is Baba’s warning.

Baba says, “They say, “Why should I bother about such subtle things. I’m quite happy as I am.” Such people, engrossed as they are in materialism, are bound to be reborn in crude material bodies [like pigs, feces, and wood etc].” (PNS-11)

Human life is rare and we have all been blessed with the power of cognition. We are to utilise this in the best way possible and realise Him.

Baba says, “When one’s goal of ideation is Parama’tma’, one attain absolute progress. As one’s psychic object is subtle and expansive, one’s psychic body becomes subtle and expansive, too, and finally becomes one with the Macrocosm.” (AMIWL-8)

Namaskar,
Gagan

Note 1: GURU MANTRA AND PROPER MEMORY

This below teaching of Baba is also related to this entire topic.

Baba says, “You should remember to use guru mantra regularly before every action. One attains success in the field of action by the right application of guru mantra. Some of you, I do not say all, often forget to use guru mantra before starting an activity. If you do forget, repeat it after completing the action. When one no longer makes such a mistake, that is, when one always remembers to use guru mantra before starting any activity, one is said to have attained “dhruva smrti” or “fixed memory”. Dhruva means “fixed”, “stationary”. When, by dint of sa’dhana’, one establishes oneself in dhruva smrti, one experiences an unbroken flow of bliss in one’s mind. In the scriptures, this intense spiritual bliss is termed “dharma megha’nanda”. Whenever you develop that sort of fixed memory, you will experience dharma megha’nanda’.” (AV-7)

PRABHAT SAMGIITA

“Diner pare din cale ja’y, toma’r path ceye a’ma’r yu’g ye ja’y…” (2640)

Purport:

Baba, my days after days are passing waiting for You. Since ages and ages I have been looking anxiously towards the path of Your arrival. But all that time has passed in vain. Baba, nobody is understanding my mental anguish; I am completely helplessly in love with You. So many tears have been shed waiting for You arrival, yet You are not coming.

Baba, in the daytime I imagine that in the night You will be coming carrying the lantern of hope, thus fulfilling all my deepest desires. I imagine that in my sleepless nights You will come and shower Your divine grace and my troubled eyes will be completely satiated by having Your blissful darshan.

Baba, when the night passes and You have not come then with deep hope I go on ideating that You will be coming in the morning, with the advent of the bright red crimson dawn. And like the effulgence of the rising sun You will wipe away the cimmerian darkness.

Baba, since ages my days are passing in longing for You. Baba please come…

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WT Conduct Rules

“We are all the children of the same Father, we are all the members of the same family. By fighting against all kinds of evil forces, we will establish the glory of our Father and the glory of our family.” (Point #13 of ’14 Points’, WT Conduct Rules)

Note: A few so-called senior, degenerated and disgraceful Wts are going astray from this fundamental rule by spreading the poison of groupism and by creating division in the society– all of which is completely against neo-humanism. This is all happening due to greed, lust of power, desire for prestige etc. Unfortunately such persons are still in the uniform of Wts so we have to recognise them. As they have tainted the glory of Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji by their sinful, power-hungry ways. Indeed by all this they have destroyed the sanctity & unity of the family.

Note 2: Those who are sincere margiis adhere to this above cited rule since the spirit of this conduct rule is common to one and all.
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Why One Mantra

To: AM-GLOBAL
From: Giriish Deva
Subject: Why One Mantra
Date: Tue, 25 Oct 2011 22:48:21 -0400

Baba

Prabhat Samgiita Intro: With the arrival of our diipavali festival, may we all reflect on the meaning of Baba’s below composition, which is a song of diipavali.

“A’ma’ra a’ndha’ra gharera a’lo tumi, a’ndha’ra hiya’ra a’lo…” (PS 640)

Purport:

O’ Parama Purusa, O’ Baba, You are the effulgence of my darkened abode; You are the effulgence of my dry heart. Baba, You are so gracious. You remove all darkness. That is why You are diipavali – the festival of light of my sorrowful night. You fill this world with Your divine light. [1]

Baba, Your tender and soft touch is like the gentle, cool ocean breeze in the heat of summer. Your divine expression is so comforting; Your loving voice is very charming. Baba, You know how to love. Baba, You just love me, You do not want anything in return; You do not receive anything. You only love.

Baba, this universe is the direct expression of Your beauty. You are smiling continuously. [2] Everything is Your form in different shapes and colors. It is nothing but You. You are all around me. You remove all worries and sufferings; You fill everything with tune and melody. And You play Your divine, melodious flute. Baba, You never receive or get anything. You give everything and light my life with effulgence.

Baba, You are so gracious; You fill my heart with devotion…

NOTES FOR PRABHAT SAMGIITA #640:

[1] The first stanza has great meaning and symbolism. Darkness refers to the problems in life and lack of spiritual feeling. Abode means one’s heart or existence. And diipavali or effulgence is the solution to all problems and taking shelter in Him. So in this stanza, the sadhaka was facing terrible problems and undergoing much suffering, i.e. a dark sorrowful night. With the grace of Parama Purusa, all that suffering vanishes and life becomes wonderful, blissful. That is what is meant by diipavali.

Here the whole idea is that without being linked with Ista, life is dark. People are surrounded by problems and they do not know what to do. They remain in misery and get terribly confused. When Parama Purusa showers His grace, one realises that they are not alone. With the sweet presence of Parama Purusa in their heart, all their problems are resolved. They feel that life is meaningful and blissful. This song reflects this idea.

Finally, we all know that one should not read or listen to Prabghat Samgiita in a literal manner. The concept of diipavali is symbolic, not something physical.

[2] The first line of the third stanza – “Toma’r ru’pe bhara’ jagat ha’sache avirata” – indicates that the beauty of this creation is nothing but the direct expression of His unending smile. In this way the sadhaka sees everything – birds, flowers, volcanoes, clouds, rivers, valleys, indeed everything – as the ongoing, eternal expression of Parama Purusa. In all directions and in all ways, one sees His smile in the various forms of this created universe.

== WHY ONE MANTRA ==

Namaskar,
Someone recently inquired, “Why is it that only one mantra is used in all the AM social functions? From baby naming to house blessing, from marriage ceremony to tree planting to death ceremony, always the same mantra is used. Why?”

Note: As most of you well know, the mantra being referred to here is “Omn madhu va’ta’ rtaya’te…”.

A discussion group was held and offered the following reply. Please add your points as well.

THE MANY REASONS WHY WE USE ONE MANTRA

FOR ALL ANANDA MARGA SOCIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Accessible to All: Our Ananda Marga social functions must be accessible to all. The common people should not be intimidated by or overwhelmed by our various social functions. By having one mantra for all occasions, it will be quite simple for people to learn and they can perform the ceremonies themselves. That is Baba’s expressed intention.

We do not believe in a priest class (priestocracy) where they are looked upon as more respected, dominant figures in society. We see everyone as equals on the existential plane where there is no feeling of superiority by priests nor feeling of inferiority by family people.

Where there is one mantra for all AM ceremonies, then every family person can easily learn it and there is no scope for feeling inferior or intimidated by priests who have thousands of secret mantras and shlokas and chants. That is what happens in the various religions.

In AM though, we have one mantra and all can learn it easily and perform the social ceremonies as needed.

2. Importance of Participation: There is a tremendous difference between being an active participant and a passive observe. There is a huge psychological difference. When one is an active participant they feel an emotional link and deep connection, whereas if one is a mere observer one does not feel part of what is going on.

For instance, if there is a feast, then those involved in the feast feel complete connection or oneness with that activity as they are talking, eating and drinking with those present. They are participating fully. In contrast, those who are watching that feast from the outside feel alienated as they have not been invited to attend.

When family margiis are active participants in our AM ceremonies then naturally they will feel more connected to those programs and our AM society. If one were to just always watch the priest lead the program – as happens in the various religions – then people feel like they have nothing to do with the ceremony. They are just “in the audience”.

When people actively participate then a greater bond is created.

3. Emotional Link in Society: When people actively participate in social ceremonies then that creates an emotional and familial link between members of society. Baba provides this following example tio demonstrate this fact.

Baba says, “Játakarma is the first step in raising the social life in the light of this great ideal. Its aim is to give social recognition to the new born. Anyone present in the ceremony may actively participate, because according to Ananda Marga any social duty is a combined responsibility of all men belonging to the Samája. In this occasion no covering of the child has been prescribed so that such a fine picture of the occasion may be stamped in the minds of those present in the ceremony, as will not fade even when the child will be full-grown. In later years, when the child will come to him dressed as a gentleman, he will look on him as the self-same child of the past Játakarma ceremony and not as a gentleman of the present day and will express signs of tenderness and responsibility in his dealings. The fact that he had taken oath regarding the child will rise afresh in his mind. When the child also, thus dressed as a gentleman, will learn that he is one among those who took part in his Játakarma ceremony, he will respect and regard him as a father and this will result in a sweet social relation.” (Táttvika Diipiká, Caturtha Parva)

Here the whole point is that by actively participating in the ja’takarma ceremony, one is involved in welcoming this baby as bonafide member of society. People feel connected and linked with one another. And that lasts a lifetime as Baba states in His above teaching.

Unfortunately this feeling is lacking in today’s materialistic society where people remain selfish. People do now feel connected to one another nor do they want to help each other.

In AM, we see one and all as part of our universal human family. Participating in AM social functions reinforces this idea. Naturally then there is a feeling of respect and good-will and service mentality towards all.

When there is one mantra for all AM social ceremonies, then naturally it is very easy to participate fully and hence strengthen the bond and connection from one person to the next.

4. Why Sanskrit: The question might arise that why should the one mantra for our social ceremonies be in Sanskrit. Well, most of the world’s languages are connected with Sanskrit. Sanskrit is the grandmother of so many languages of so many regions of the world. To know more about this please consult Baba’s philology discourses. Of course one of the great benefits of having the mantra in Sanskrit or any single language is that when margiis from across the globe with different mother tongues get together, then they can participate in the programs collectively. It is a point of commonality and bonding.

5. Why This Particular Mantra: After understanding in AM why we have only one mantra for all social ceremonies, one might question why this particular mantra is used and not any another.

The answer is quite straight-forward. The meaning of the Omn Madhu mantra is very sweet where we see the bright side of life. The mantra perfectly embodies the path of bliss as it gives a positive touch to everything. Even in seemingly negative events we goad the mind toward spirituality. It is our unique outlook in life to always see the Supreme Veracity. This Omn madhu mantra enables this to happen, regardless of the social ceremony. More about this is written below.

“OMN MADHU…”

In Ananda Marga, at each and every function the same mantra resounds.

When anybody dies, this mantra is used in Shra’ddha ceremony:

“Onm madhu va’ta’ rta’yate madhu ks’arantu sindhavah…”

And in marriage, that same mantra is used;

“Onm madhu va’ta’ rta’yate madhu ks’arantu sindhavah…”

And for the house blessing ceremony, again the same mantra comes.

“Onm madhu va’ta’ rta’yate madhu ks’arantu sindhavah…”

And for the baby naming ceremony, as well as for the tree planting ceremony, the same mantra again is used.

So this “Onm madhu..” mantra is the common mantra which is usually used in all kinds of AM social functions.

AM IS DHARMA, AND DHARMA IS FOR ALL

Ananda Marga is dharma, and dharma is universal. It is for all types of people, from the people of the desert up to the North Pole, tropical countries and cold countries, everywhere. Irrespective of the environment, race, or language, Ananda Marga is suited for everyone.

Baba has made everything in a concise way.

The reason is that this way everyone – literate and illiterate – can understand and practice His guidelines. Because dharma is for all.

The practice of dharma should not be complicated. So the rules of Ananda Marga philosophy are rational, simple rules which are quite easy to follow. And the reason for this is that they are natural.

Why natural? Because to do something natural is very easy, and needs little effort. Speaking satya is quite natural. Children, animals, and plants never speak a lie. Speaking satya is not at all difficult or complicated. But telling a lie is very difficult. To say one lie, one has to create 100 more lies, in order to hide. So that is a tricky job.

Here the main point is that natural things are easy to manage and do. Dharma is natural which means it is easy to follow. As AM is the expression of dharma, it makes sense that AM rules are natural and easy to follow.

These days however, the social vibration is negative. Many people are unfortunately, negatively attracted and addicted to pseudoculture. And that’s why people think that the rules of Ananda Marga are difficult. But according to Baba it’s not difficult. Never. That’s why the name of these collected rules is Ananda Marga, Path of Bliss.

Because Ananda Marga is for all, that’s why Baba has made one common shloka for all the functions.

AM = PATH OF BLISS

Here is another very key point. Our AM philosophical approach is that life is not full of misery but full of ananda. That’s why Baba uses this “Onm Madhu” mantra. Because in AM everything is blissful. Child-naming and marriage ceremonies are blissful, blissful, and blissful. Even in death we see the bright side and never lose sight of the spiritual goal.

After death also, one never gets lost in a black hole. Rather, our connection with Parama Purusa is eternal. This human life is one part-life, part of the big chain of the full and complete life. It goes on and on, life after life, until the final goal is reached.

This point Baba has discussed at length in the discourse “Khan’d’a Jiivan o Pu’rn’ Jiivan”, which can be found in AV-22.

Ultimately then everything is blissful in the life of sadhakas. And that’s why Baba has chosen this mantra, “Onm Madhu…”.

This idea has also been expressed in the following manner:

“Anandaddhyeva khalvima’ni bhuta’ni ja’yante…”

Baba says. “Out of Anandam or Supreme Bliss, this universe of created beings has emerged. They are living in the midst of Anandam. And finally they will merge again in Supreme Bliss.” (AV-6, p.65)

RIGHT MANTRA, RIGHT SPIRIT

The sense is that, everything is blissful. Everything comes from bliss and will go into bliss. And the life of devotees is therefore blissful.

In the above teaching Baba is telling this eternal truth that the life of the devotee is always blissful. That’s why this “Onm Madhu…” mantra has been selected for all kinds of functions. Because this is a unique mantra, which carries the true feeling of Ananda Marga…the Path of Bliss.

This is a unique quality in AM that our each and every expression is blissful. It may be the children’s birth, or it may be the death of someone. In all the cases irrespective of whether shra’ddha ceremony or marriage ceremony, always we chant kiirtan and dance, do dharmacakra in all these functions. And raise the “Parama Pita Baba Ki Jai!” slogan, and use this blissful mantra. We see the positive side and bright side of everything.

More Points: There are countless reasons why we have only one mantra for our social ceremonies – some of which have been outlined and expanded upon below. But really there are too many points to bring in this one letter. I do not want to make it too bulky.

Please share your opinions and thoughts.

Baba says, “It [i.e. the Omn Madhu mantra] is a hymn of peace and hence can be chanted equally on all occasions.” (Táttvika Diipiká, Caturtha Parva)

Namaskar,
Giriish

Note 1: THE NAMING OF ANANDA MARGA

When Baba gave the name Ananda Marga, at that time one simple margii expressed his opinion and began telling that “Although the name is Ananda Marga, but it is very tough. Ananda is not there.” That is what the margii said that day.

Hearing this statement from the margii, Baba felt distinctly uncomfortable. He took it in such a way as if somebody created nuisance in the serene atmosphere, environment.

So everyone should think about this. Ananda Marga is the Path of Bliss. For those who are thinking it is difficult, they may not be following it wholeheartedly.

Note 2: OUR AM VERSUS THE DOGMATIC RELIGIONS

In all the various religions, due to dogma there are sad ceremonies.

Muslims beat their chest to the point of bleeding during the sad Muslim ceremony of Moharrum. Muslims show their grief for what occurred hundreds of years earlier.

In Christianity, they also have many sad ceremonies and events. The cross itself is a symbol of deep sadness. Christians feel tremendous guilt and sadness at the thought that Christ died on the cross for their sins.

But in Ananda Marga, there is nothing sad. Because, AM is dharma and we feel that this whole universe is born of our His bliss. This is not a religion where the dogma of sadness is king. Rather we adhere to the path of bliss.

Note 3: AM = PATH OF BLISS (Part II)

In AM there are all sorts of festivals, and all are blissful.

Baba says, “People often feel bored with their humdrum lives, with their mechanical routines; thus a fresh start must be created through festivals or utsava…so utsava means “an occasion which gives human beings fresh inspiration to live a new life.” (AFPS-5, p.18)

Baba says, “When people become tired and uninspired, when they can no longer look towards the future with hope, when their colourful dreams are shattered, at that time the sweetness of a festival brings new joy and vigour in life. Thus in individual and collective life, the importance of festivals is tremendous. One should always remember that festivals should be such that all can take part in them without any ostentatious display of wealth, and with an upsurge of their life force. And these festivals should be conducted in such a way that people take part in them from a spontaneous inner urge. I hope that you will make such arrangements so that all are attracted towards your festivals which will be more and more charming — and this will bring about your collective welfare.” (FPS-5, p.18)

So in AM, people participate in all kinds of blissful utsava or ceremonies. Now compare this with the religions where they have various sad events. But in Ananda Marga nothing is sad. Rather, everything is blissful.

Note 4: ALWAYS IN BLISS

When experiencing supposed pain or pleasure, devotees always feel bliss. Bhaktas do not feel any difference between the person who is inflicting pain or who gives pleasure to them. This is exquisitely described in the discourse, “Devotion–The Only Path”, in Ananda Vacanamrtam (Part-5).

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Equal Glamour

Baba says, “People of a particular country die of starvation, and people of another country die due to overeating due to voracity. It is a disparity — it is bad. It is a creation of selfish people, not of Parama Purus’a. The Renaissance movement will have to do something concrete in this respect also. All are equal, with equal glamour as human beings.” (PNS-9, p.43)
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Bright Side of Groupism

To: am-global@earthlink.net
Date: Wed, 26 Oct 2011 21:41:29
From: “Hitendra Deva”
Subject: Bright Side of Groupism

Baba

== BRIGHT SIDE OF GROUPISM? ==

Namaskar,
In the history of every religious movement and spiritual following, after the passing of the prophet or founder, the ruling priests have always adulterated the teachings for their own selfish gain.

This is the common trend across all religions, regardless of where or when they started. Shiva’s teachings, Buddha’s teachings, Krsna’s teachings, as well as in Judaism, Christianity and Islam, the opportunistic priests implemented their own dogmatic rules after the preceptor died.

And in result, the original teachings of the prophet or leader were diluted, forgotten and lost. All that remained was dogma.

OUR PERSPECTIVE: PRAPATTI VADA

As we know, for the last 20 years, our Marga has been plagued by groupism. Yet at the same time we know that everything in the universe happens under the sweet will of Parama Purusa. Nothing occurs against His wish – everything moves according to His desire. Even a blade of grass cannot move without Baba’s permission.

Baba says, “The idea, the spirit of “prapatti” is that whatever happens in this Universe of ours is nothing but an expression of Cosmic desire or Cosmic will. Neither can there be any volcanic eruption nor can any blade of grass move without His order. Everything is pre-ordered, pre-ordained by the Supreme Entity. Man can do nothing. Living beings cannot do anything without His support; that is, when a human desire and His desire coincide, then only does the human desire become fruitful, otherwise it is a sure failure. When the jiiva’s desire coincides with the desire of Krśńa, then it is successful, otherwise not. This is the spirit, this is the central idea of the term “prapatti”.” (Ánanda Vacanámrtam Part 2, The Excellence of a Bhakta)

Some skeptics think there is no God and that whatever a person decides to do is what gets done – otherwise not. It is all based on individual effort, nothing more. But in AM we openly accept and embrace the philosophy of prapatti vada.

By this way, we can even accept and understand that all the groupism after 1990 was also His wish.

THE POST 1990 ERA

Keeping this in mind let’s examine the situation in our Marga since 1990.

From 1990 – 97, when all the groups were united under Sarvatmanandji’s leadership then so many dogmas were introduced into our AM society. (See the appended list at the bottom of this email.) By his mere order, Saravatmananda was able to infuse any dogmatic rule he wanted. All were living under his leadership, so his orders were essentially uncontested. In this way, one dogma after another was imposed. Who can forget those days.

Then in 1997, groupism became more pronounced and various factions became visible to the naked eye. And as we see, from 1997 till today, so many splinter groups have been formed. Most of the time this groupism is based on geo-linguistic sentiment.

And all of this has gone on according to the sweet will of Parama Purusa.

WHAT IS THE GREAT BENEFIT

So then what is the great benefit of groupism? Verily, there has to be a benefit or redeeming quality to groupism. Parama Purusa never sabotages anything. Why then did Parama Purusa wish for groupism to happen? Why was that His desire and, in fact, the need of the day?

As every Ananda Margii will easily understand, the great benefit of all this groupism is that now it is not easy for any single person or group to implement dogma into our Marga. Because when they try, naturally the opposing group(s) adamantly speak out against it. Whereas if all the groups were united and consolidated under one person’s rule, such as from 1990 – 97, then one after another dogma would be unanimously approved by everyone. But since the division into multiple groups, that is not the case. Now it is impossible for one person to universally implement a dogma.

Should any group leader aim to impose a new dogma, then backlash will occur immediately – within hours, or even minutes. For political reasons or for any reason, the other factions will vehemently attack that dogma. It is just like how political parties automatically oppose what their opponent says. Same is the case here. If any group tries to implement something irrational and dogmatic, then a loud chorus will be sung by the opposite group and that dogma will be exposed, not approved.

In this way, the very existence of groupism has saved our Marga from countless dogmas. Otherwise, if all the groups teamed up together, then every day or month from 1997 – 2011, a new dogma would have been introduced just as was the case from 1990 – 97 when all the groups were united under one roof.

So great benefit of groupism then is that Baba’s divine teachings remain largely in tact. They have not become diluted and untraceable; they have not become buried under a heap of dogmas. Baba’s divine guidelines are quite well-defined and accessible to all.

We are fortunate that only a few dogmas were imposed; and in those cases also there was a lot of opposition.

In this way – because of groupism – we have mostly averted the tragedy that happened with all of the various religions and spiritual movements. Our situation is not nearly as bad as what could have been. If one person had been ruling a single group of workers from 1997 – 2011, then our Marga would be littered by countless dogmas.

Furthermore, because groupism came in vogue, general margiis and workers have keenly studied Baba’s teachings and taken great interest in AM ideology. They know that they have to carefully watch those Dadas who are at the helm.

So really it is Baba’s grace. Nothing transpires in this cosmos without His consent. He has allowed this groupism to flourish as He knew that would help maintain the integrity of His divine teachings and keep our Marga healthy.

MORE ON PRAPATTI VADA

Reading the above, i.e. that it was Baba’s wish for there to be groupism, we may not feel comfortable. But here it is not the question of what the human mind likes or does not like.

We are talking about the liila of Parama Purusa. Parama Purusa is the Controller of heaven and hell – good deeds and bad. He is the only source of energy; just as the virtuous get energy from Him, so do the wicked. This is the way the liila goes on, and on, and on. Indeed, Baba has stated in so many discourses that all reside in Him, sinners and virtuous alike.

We must see everything as per prapattii vada. It is all His wish and without His sweet will nothing happens. Then how could groupism be formed without His desire? It could not.

It is very clear that He wanted groupism. We may not like it but that is what He wished. So there must be some great cause for it.

CONCLUSION

Of course, groupism is not good but we must remember that even demons are fed by Parama Purusa. There is no second entity. The conclusion is that we should see the bright side of everything – including groupism.

Had groupism not openly surfaced in our Marga, then so many more dogmas would have been imposed, as happened with all the religions. And our AM ideology would not be in tact.

At the same time none should think that we should therefore plunge deeper into groupism. After all, with their free will human beings make so many mistakes, get punished by nature, make atonement, and then grow from that experience. But that does not mean that one should purposely make mistakes in order to grow. For instance, no one driving a car should not intentionally hit a pedestrian in order get the lesson that one should drive carefully. There are many other better ways to grow than by purposely committing mistakes.

Similarly one should not intentionally indulge in more groupism in order to get the benefit, as if by this way our Marga will thrive. Groupism was a “sign of the times” after 1990 and we should leave it as part of our history and move forward on the path of dharma. It is purely Baba’s grace that the post-1990 era of groupism helped off-set the imposition of more dogmas upon our AM society. That was the only benefit – that was the bright side of groupism, beyond that it only produced a field of horrors. Now is the time to move on – totally free from all groupism and dogmas.

BABA’S BLESSING

Baba says, “Establish yourselves above the boundaries of dogma, and be established in the excellence of human glory.” (AFPS-4, Dogma – No More)

Namaskar,
HItendra

Note 1: SOME OF THE MANY DOGMAS THEY IMPOSED

Here are but a few of the many dogmas they imposed in the 1990 – 97 era:

1. Fake BP Manual 1997
2. So-called mahaprayan
3. Fake Ananda Vaniis
4. Scriptural distortions
5. Curtailment of margii rights
6. S’ad Dha’m Akhanda Kiirtan (Six Tiirthas):
7. Expulsion as a weapon
8. Dogmatic holy land tiirthas at Jamalpur & Kolkata
9. Bangalisation
10. Elimination of the ACB
11. And so much more…

With tremendous speed all these dogmas were imposed and took root from 1990 – 1997. Still we are dealing with these problems.

Can you imagine what it would have been like if one group leader ruled from 1990 up till today?

Really it is Baba’s grace the proliferation of groupism arrived as that put a halt to the creation of all these crooked dogmas.

PRABHAT SAMGIITA

“Aja’na’ Pathik a’ja, tare ghare d’eke na’o…” P.S. 4342

Purport:

Today the Ajana Pathik Parama Purusa Baba has come! Don’t miss this grand occasion. Receive Him with Your full heart and bring Him home without delay. Let your heart be saturated with the divine effulgence which He has spread all around. Now is not the time to waste in dogma, drowsiness, and slumber.

Baba has come for you, for me, for everyone. He loves everyone– each and every place, each and every country, all. He feels pain and cries when seeing others’ pain. And He smiles when He sees others smile. He loves all.

By His grace, this is the time to surrender everything at His lotus feet. Missing the opportunity is not intelligent. Baba has come! Receive Him and bring Him close…

*********************************************
UNKNOWN FACT ABOUT WEALTH

Baba says, “In the subtle economic sense, the value of wealth is the real wealth. Wealth, if not properly defined, may mean only riches. But the value of wealth is to be measured in terms of its capacity to purchase commodities. That is, the purchasing capacity of wealth is its real value. This real value of wealth has not yet been properly understood in numerical terms by economists.” (Proutist Economics, p. 269)
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Why One Mantra

To: AM-GLOBAL
From: Giriish Deva
Subject: Why One Mantra
Date: Tue, 25 Oct 2011 22:48:21 -0400

Baba

Prabhat Samgiita Intro: With the arrival of our diipavali festival, may we all reflect on the meaning of Baba’s below composition, which is a song of diipavali.

“A’ma’ra a’ndha’ra gharera a’lo tumi, a’ndha’ra hiya’ra a’lo…” (PS 640)

Purport:

O’ Parama Purusa, O’ Baba, You are the effulgence of my darkened abode; You are the effulgence of my dry heart. Baba, You are so gracious. You remove all darkness. That is why You are diipavali – the festival of light of my sorrowful night. You fill this world with Your divine light. [1]

Baba, Your tender and soft touch is like the gentle, cool ocean breeze in the heat of summer. Your divine expression is so comforting; Your loving voice is very charming. Baba, You know how to love. Baba, You just love me, You do not want anything in return; You do not receive anything. You only love.

Baba, this universe is the direct expression of Your beauty. You are smiling continuously. [2] Everything is Your form in different shapes and colors. It is nothing but You. You are all around me. You remove all worries and sufferings; You fill everything with tune and melody. And You play Your divine, melodious flute. Baba, You never receive or get anything. You give everything and light my life with effulgence.

Baba, You are so gracious; You fill my heart with devotion…

NOTES FOR PRABHAT SAMGIITA #640:

[1] The first stanza has great meaning and symbolism. Darkness refers to the problems in life and lack of spiritual feeling. Abode means one’s heart or existence. And diipavali or effulgence is the solution to all problems and taking shelter in Him. So in this stanza, the sadhaka was facing terrible problems and undergoing much suffering, i.e. a dark sorrowful night. With the grace of Parama Purusa, all that suffering vanishes and life becomes wonderful, blissful. That is what is meant by diipavali.

Here the whole idea is that without being linked with Ista, life is dark. People are surrounded by problems and they do not know what to do. They remain in misery and get terribly confused. When Parama Purusa showers His grace, one realises that they are not alone. With the sweet presence of Parama Purusa in their heart, all their problems are resolved. They feel that life is meaningful and blissful. This song reflects this idea.

Finally, we all know that one should not read or listen to Prabghat Samgiita in a literal manner. The concept of diipavali is symbolic, not something physical.

[2] The first line of the third stanza – “Toma’r ru’pe bhara’ jagat ha’sache avirata” – indicates that the beauty of this creation is nothing but the direct expression of His unending smile. In this way the sadhaka sees everything – birds, flowers, volcanoes, clouds, rivers, valleys, indeed everything – as the ongoing, eternal expression of Parama Purusa. In all directions and in all ways, one sees His smile in the various forms of this created universe.

== WHY ONE MANTRA ==

Namaskar,
Someone recently inquired, “Why is it that only one mantra is used in all the AM social functions? From baby naming to house blessing, from marriage ceremony to tree planting to death ceremony, always the same mantra is used. Why?”

Note: As most of you well know, the mantra being referred to here is “Omn madhu va’ta’ rtaya’te…”.

A discussion group was held and offered the following reply. Please add your points as well.

THE MANY REASONS WHY WE USE ONE MANTRA

FOR ALL ANANDA MARGA SOCIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Accessible to All: Our Ananda Marga social functions must be accessible to all. The common people should not be intimidated by or overwhelmed by our various social functions. By having one mantra for all occasions, it will be quite simple for people to learn and they can perform the ceremonies themselves. That is Baba’s expressed intention.

We do not believe in a priest class (priestocracy) where they are looked upon as more respected, dominant figures in society. We see everyone as equals on the existential plane where there is no feeling of superiority by priests nor feeling of inferiority by family people.

Where there is one mantra for all AM ceremonies, then every family person can easily learn it and there is no scope for feeling inferior or intimidated by priests who have thousands of secret mantras and shlokas and chants. That is what happens in the various religions.

In AM though, we have one mantra and all can learn it easily and perform the social ceremonies as needed.

2. Importance of Participation: There is a tremendous difference between being an active participant and a passive observe. There is a huge psychological difference. When one is an active participant they feel an emotional link and deep connection, whereas if one is a mere observer one does not feel part of what is going on.

For instance, if there is a feast, then those involved in the feast feel complete connection or oneness with that activity as they are talking, eating and drinking with those present. They are participating fully. In contrast, those who are watching that feast from the outside feel alienated as they have not been invited to attend.

When family margiis are active participants in our AM ceremonies then naturally they will feel more connected to those programs and our AM society. If one were to just always watch the priest lead the program – as happens in the various religions – then people feel like they have nothing to do with the ceremony. They are just “in the audience”.

When people actively participate then a greater bond is created.

3. Emotional Link in Society: When people actively participate in social ceremonies then that creates an emotional and familial link between members of society. Baba provides this following example tio demonstrate this fact.

Baba says, “Játakarma is the first step in raising the social life in the light of this great ideal. Its aim is to give social recognition to the new born. Anyone present in the ceremony may actively participate, because according to Ananda Marga any social duty is a combined responsibility of all men belonging to the Samája. In this occasion no covering of the child has been prescribed so that such a fine picture of the occasion may be stamped in the minds of those present in the ceremony, as will not fade even when the child will be full-grown. In later years, when the child will come to him dressed as a gentleman, he will look on him as the self-same child of the past Játakarma ceremony and not as a gentleman of the present day and will express signs of tenderness and responsibility in his dealings. The fact that he had taken oath regarding the child will rise afresh in his mind. When the child also, thus dressed as a gentleman, will learn that he is one among those who took part in his Játakarma ceremony, he will respect and regard him as a father and this will result in a sweet social relation.” (Táttvika Diipiká, Caturtha Parva)

Here the whole point is that by actively participating in the ja’takarma ceremony, one is involved in welcoming this baby as bonafide member of society. People feel connected and linked with one another. And that lasts a lifetime as Baba states in His above teaching.

Unfortunately this feeling is lacking in today’s materialistic society where people remain selfish. People do now feel connected to one another nor do they want to help each other.

In AM, we see one and all as part of our universal human family. Participating in AM social functions reinforces this idea. Naturally then there is a feeling of respect and good-will and service mentality towards all.

When there is one mantra for all AM social ceremonies, then naturally it is very easy to participate fully and hence strengthen the bond and connection from one person to the next.

4. Why Sanskrit: The question might arise that why should the one mantra for our social ceremonies be in Sanskrit. Well, most of the world’s languages are connected with Sanskrit. Sanskrit is the grandmother of so many languages of so many regions of the world. To know more about this please consult Baba’s philology discourses. Of course one of the great benefits of having the mantra in Sanskrit or any single language is that when margiis from across the globe with different mother tongues get together, then they can participate in the programs collectively. It is a point of commonality and bonding.

5. Why This Particular Mantra: After understanding in AM why we have only one mantra for all social ceremonies, one might question why this particular mantra is used and not any another.

The answer is quite straight-forward. The meaning of the Omn Madhu mantra is very sweet where we see the bright side of life. The mantra perfectly embodies the path of bliss as it gives a positive touch to everything. Even in seemingly negative events we goad the mind toward spirituality. It is our unique outlook in life to always see the Supreme Veracity. This Omn madhu mantra enables this to happen, regardless of the social ceremony. More about this is written below.

“OMN MADHU…”

In Ananda Marga, at each and every function the same mantra resounds.

When anybody dies, this mantra is used in Shra’ddha ceremony:

“Onm madhu va’ta’ rta’yate madhu ks’arantu sindhavah…”

And in marriage, that same mantra is used;

“Onm madhu va’ta’ rta’yate madhu ks’arantu sindhavah…”

And for the house blessing ceremony, again the same mantra comes.

“Onm madhu va’ta’ rta’yate madhu ks’arantu sindhavah…”

And for the baby naming ceremony, as well as for the tree planting ceremony, the same mantra again is used.

So this “Onm madhu..” mantra is the common mantra which is usually used in all kinds of AM social functions.

AM IS DHARMA, AND DHARMA IS FOR ALL

Ananda Marga is dharma, and dharma is universal. It is for all types of people, from the people of the desert up to the North Pole, tropical countries and cold countries, everywhere. Irrespective of the environment, race, or language, Ananda Marga is suited for everyone.

Baba has made everything in a concise way.

The reason is that this way everyone – literate and illiterate – can understand and practice His guidelines. Because dharma is for all.

The practice of dharma should not be complicated. So the rules of Ananda Marga philosophy are rational, simple rules which are quite easy to follow. And the reason for this is that they are natural.

Why natural? Because to do something natural is very easy, and needs little effort. Speaking satya is quite natural. Children, animals, and plants never speak a lie. Speaking satya is not at all difficult or complicated. But telling a lie is very difficult. To say one lie, one has to create 100 more lies, in order to hide. So that is a tricky job.

Here the main point is that natural things are easy to manage and do. Dharma is natural which means it is easy to follow. As AM is the expression of dharma, it makes sense that AM rules are natural and easy to follow.

These days however, the social vibration is negative. Many people are unfortunately, negatively attracted and addicted to pseudoculture. And that’s why people think that the rules of Ananda Marga are difficult. But according to Baba it’s not difficult. Never. That’s why the name of these collected rules is Ananda Marga, Path of Bliss.

Because Ananda Marga is for all, that’s why Baba has made one common shloka for all the functions.

AM = PATH OF BLISS

Here is another very key point. Our AM philosophical approach is that life is not full of misery but full of ananda. That’s why Baba uses this “Onm Madhu” mantra. Because in AM everything is blissful. Child-naming and marriage ceremonies are blissful, blissful, and blissful. Even in death we see the bright side and never lose sight of the spiritual goal.

After death also, one never gets lost in a black hole. Rather, our connection with Parama Purusa is eternal. This human life is one part-life, part of the big chain of the full and complete life. It goes on and on, life after life, until the final goal is reached.

This point Baba has discussed at length in the discourse “Khan’d’a Jiivan o Pu’rn’ Jiivan”, which can be found in AV-22.

Ultimately then everything is blissful in the life of sadhakas. And that’s why Baba has chosen this mantra, “Onm Madhu…”.

This idea has also been expressed in the following manner:

“Anandaddhyeva khalvima’ni bhuta’ni ja’yante…”

Baba says. “Out of Anandam or Supreme Bliss, this universe of created beings has emerged. They are living in the midst of Anandam. And finally they will merge again in Supreme Bliss.” (AV-6, p.65)

RIGHT MANTRA, RIGHT SPIRIT

The sense is that, everything is blissful. Everything comes from bliss and will go into bliss. And the life of devotees is therefore blissful.

In the above teaching Baba is telling this eternal truth that the life of the devotee is always blissful. That’s why this “Onm Madhu…” mantra has been selected for all kinds of functions. Because this is a unique mantra, which carries the true feeling of Ananda Marga…the Path of Bliss.

This is a unique quality in AM that our each and every expression is blissful. It may be the children’s birth, or it may be the death of someone. In all the cases irrespective of whether shra’ddha ceremony or marriage ceremony, always we chant kiirtan and dance, do dharmacakra in all these functions. And raise the “Parama Pita Baba Ki Jai!” slogan, and use this blissful mantra. We see the positive side and bright side of everything.

More Points: There are countless reasons why we have only one mantra for our social ceremonies – some of which have been outlined and expanded upon below. But really there are too many points to bring in this one letter. I do not want to make it too bulky.

Please share your opinions and thoughts.

Baba says, “It [i.e. the Omn Madhu mantra] is a hymn of peace and hence can be chanted equally on all occasions.” (Táttvika Diipiká, Caturtha Parva)

Namaskar,
Giriish

Note 1: THE NAMING OF ANANDA MARGA

When Baba gave the name Ananda Marga, at that time one simple margii expressed his opinion and began telling that “Although the name is Ananda Marga, but it is very tough. Ananda is not there.” That is what the margii said that day.

Hearing this statement from the margii, Baba felt distinctly uncomfortable. He took it in such a way as if somebody created nuisance in the serene atmosphere, environment.

So everyone should think about this. Ananda Marga is the Path of Bliss. For those who are thinking it is difficult, they may not be following it wholeheartedly.

Note 2: OUR AM VERSUS THE DOGMATIC RELIGIONS

In all the various religions, due to dogma there are sad ceremonies.

Muslims beat their chest to the point of bleeding during the sad Muslim ceremony of Moharrum. Muslims show their grief for what occurred hundreds of years earlier.

In Christianity, they also have many sad ceremonies and events. The cross itself is a symbol of deep sadness. Christians feel tremendous guilt and sadness at the thought that Christ died on the cross for their sins.

But in Ananda Marga, there is nothing sad. Because, AM is dharma and we feel that this whole universe is born of our His bliss. This is not a religion where the dogma of sadness is king. Rather we adhere to the path of bliss.

Note 3: AM = PATH OF BLISS (Part II)

In AM there are all sorts of festivals, and all are blissful.

Baba says, “People often feel bored with their humdrum lives, with their mechanical routines; thus a fresh start must be created through festivals or utsava…so utsava means “an occasion which gives human beings fresh inspiration to live a new life.” (AFPS-5, p.18)

Baba says, “When people become tired and uninspired, when they can no longer look towards the future with hope, when their colourful dreams are shattered, at that time the sweetness of a festival brings new joy and vigour in life. Thus in individual and collective life, the importance of festivals is tremendous. One should always remember that festivals should be such that all can take part in them without any ostentatious display of wealth, and with an upsurge of their life force. And these festivals should be conducted in such a way that people take part in them from a spontaneous inner urge. I hope that you will make such arrangements so that all are attracted towards your festivals which will be more and more charming — and this will bring about your collective welfare.” (FPS-5, p.18)

So in AM, people participate in all kinds of blissful utsava or ceremonies. Now compare this with the religions where they have various sad events. But in Ananda Marga nothing is sad. Rather, everything is blissful.

Note 4: ALWAYS IN BLISS

When experiencing supposed pain or pleasure, devotees always feel bliss. Bhaktas do not feel any difference between the person who is inflicting pain or who gives pleasure to them. This is exquisitely described in the discourse, “Devotion–The Only Path”, in Ananda Vacanamrtam (Part-5).

********************************
Equal Glamour

Baba says, “People of a particular country die of starvation, and people of another country die due to overeating due to voracity. It is a disparity — it is bad. It is a creation of selfish people, not of Parama Purus’a. The Renaissance movement will have to do something concrete in this respect also. All are equal, with equal glamour as human beings.” (PNS-9, p.43)
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Atma’ Kii Diivali

Date: Mon, 24 Oct 2011 14:48:29 -0000
To: am-global@earthlink.net
Subject: Atma’ Kii Diivali
From: Girish Deva

Baba

“A’lokojval ei sandhya’y…” (PS 1894)

Purport:

Baba, by Your grace, this effulgent Diipa’vali evening has been lit by the lamp of Your divine love. With the sweetness of Your mind, You are that Divine Personality who has graciously removed all the blemishes and defects from my mental temple. By Your grace, You have made me clean and pure. O’ Eternal One, who is this Vast Entity who has graced me and appeared in my mental sky.

O’ Baba, the planets and stars have lit the lamp for You; by Your grace their hearts are filled with overflowing love for You. Baba You are so magnificent. By seeing Your infinite, divine grandeur, even this great, silver-coloured galaxy has become spellbound & awestruck. Baba, by Your grace You go on dancing and You go on floating in my oversurging heart, which You Yourself have illumined.

Baba, by Your grace I have longed for You for hundreds of lives. I have yearned for You through countless cycles of life & death; and by Your grace I have gotten new life again and again– always longing for You. Baba, I long for Your love in each and every fraction of my heart. By Your grace my mind is filled with the deep attraction of Your love. Baba, You have filled my entire being with the light of devotion. By Your causeless grace, the river of my mental longing is overflowing with Your divine love.

O’ Divine Entity, O’ Parama Purusa, O’ Baba, today You have graced me by coming in my heart on this resplendent night of Diipavali …

== “A’TMA’ KII DIIVALI ==

Note: The great festival of Diipavali is arriving soon: Wednesday, October 26, 2011.

Namaskar & Happy Diipa’vali!!

On the eve this wonderful occasion of Diivali or Diipavali, may we all rejoice and celebrate both the social & devotional aspects of this highly significant and spiritual occasion. After all this is one of our recognised AM festivals which is designed to bring a renewal and rejuvenation throughout one’s entire existence.

MANY WORSHIPERS OUTSIDE AM ALSO CELEBRATE

Of course Diipa’vali is not just a day celebrated in Ananda Marga. Throughout the vastness of tantric society, Diipa’vali is recognised as a highly meaningful occasion. Estimates are that upwards of 900 million to 1.4 billion people celebrate Diivali.

Whether one is a vidya tantric or an avidya tantric, whether one is an idol worshipper or one engages in prayer, whatever type of sadhana one does, Diipa’vali is the day when
all sincerely engage in their selected practice. On this occasion, one does more sadhana– whatever type that may be.

At the same time, many materialistic and dogmatic people display fireworks in the external arena; that is also one aspect of this event. Of course in AM, we do not support the use of fireworks – the reasons of which are outlined in note 3 at the end of this letter. Instead we might use eco-friendly, electric lamps – if one has the desire to celebrate in this manner.

After all ‘diip’ means ‘light’ or ‘lamp’ and Diipa’vali is that occasion which is a festival of lights. And many come forward in various ways to celebrate. It is a widely recognised occasion. Y

Of course in our Ananda Marga we have our own special, dharmic understanding of this great festival. And here below Baba sweetly describes the inner significance of Diipa’vali.

BABA’S SPECIAL DESCRIPTION OF DIIPA’VALI

As we all know in Caryacarya part 1 Baba neatly outlines all our AM festivals. Plus in various other discourses Baba also talks extensively about so many of these various festivals. And that is the case with Diipa’vali also.

Before we move ahead any further it should be noted that there are various different spellings of this occasion, depending on the language and area etc. Suffice to say here that ‘Diipavali’, ‘Diivali’, ‘Diipa’vali’ and ‘Deewali’ etc all refer to the same wonderful festival.

And in His June 1990 DMC discourse, ‘The Cult of Spirituality– The Cult of Pinnacled Order’, Baba makes special mention of this event.

In this discourse Baba explains how this festival known as Diipa’vali is linked with the enlightenment of the soul. That is the great significance of this day.

Hence Diipa’vali is related with spiritual effulgence, sentient thought, and all psycho-spiritual ideas that are linked with light: Igniting the lamp of love for Parama Purusa.

Here below is the original Hindi from this discourse. For those with the English editions of this book– “Yoga Psychology”– this section comes on page 136 of the 1991 edition and on page 174 of the 1998 edition. It directly follows the two line Sanskrit shloka, “Phalis’yatiiti vishva’sah…”. Unfortunately in both of these English editions, the proper translation of the original Hindi could not be given.

Here then is the original Hindi followed by the correct English translation:

Man ka’ jo andhaka’r hai usko hat’a’na’ hae.
(The darkness of the mind should be removed.)

Esa’ nahin kahana’ hai ki ghar-ghar men diivali,
mere ghar men andhera’.
(‘In each and every house there is a festival of light,
yet my home is dark’, one should not say like this.)

Ghar men bhii diiva’lii honi ca’hiye.
(There should be diivali in the home)

Aor ye hae a’tma’ kii diivali.
(And it is the diivali of the atma’)

According to Baba’s above DMC discourse, Diipa’vali is the idea of cultivating that inner spiritual yearning for Parama Purusa, thereby illuminating one’s entire existence with the sweet flow of spirituality. That is, infusing one’s soul with the great, devotional love of Parama Purusa.

HOW WE SHOULD CELEBRATE

Of course abiding by the Supreme Command, each and every Ananda Margii does sadhana twice a day, at minimum. So it is our regular habit and regular practice to illumine our minds and hearts with that deeply spiritual of flow. This is Baba’s grace and His great gift to all Ananda Margiis.

So when the day of Diipa’vali arrives then what are we to do. We are to dedicate even more time to our devotional practices of sadhana and kiirtan– enabling our existence to better reflect and capture the infinite love of Parama Purusa. By Baba’s divine grace may we all pass this occasion in this way.

And of course we may partake in any festival program as organised in our local units, as outlined in Caryacarya.

BABA’S BLESSING

On this wonderful festival of Diipa’vali, let us once again recall Baba’s great boon upon all Ananda Margiis.

Baba says, “You should remember why You have been born. Following the path of devotion, you will have to ultimately reach Parama Purusa.” (YP, ’91 Edn, p.140)

Namaskar,
Giriish

Note 1: DISCOURSE NEEDS TO BE CORRECTED

Both the 1991 and the 1998 printed editions of Baba’s famous 1990 DMC discourse, ‘The Cult of Spirituality– The Cult of Pinnacled Order’, carry the wrong translation of the original Hindi lines. In English that paragraph begins and ends in the following way:

“In Sam’skrta, gu means ‘darkness’…
there should not be a festival of lights…of the soul.”

If compared with the original Hindi lines as translated in the main part of this posting, it is apparent that there are various mistakes and omissions in the English translation of this important paragraph. That is not to say that the idea has been totally misconstrued. But, we cannot say it is a proper translation of Baba’s words either. That is why both the grammar and the word selection in the English editions needs to be redone according to Baba’s original spoken discourse. As this is a DMC discourse, it was given using a mixture of the three languages (Bengali, English, and Hindi) but the special section about Diipa’vali was uniquely given in Hindi only. And the English translations should be made to reflect Baba’s original words.

Note 2: BABA’S PRABHAT SAMGIITA ABOUT DIIPA’VALI

Here is one of several of Baba’s divine songs about Diipa’vali.

“Diipa’valii sa’ja’yechi prabhu…” (PS #63)

‘Baba, my Beloved, by Your divine grace I have arranged a row of lamps in Your reception. Please grace me and come inside my heart always with newer and new form and dress. Please come inside my heart with Your gentle footsteps. Please come inside my mind with more song and dance. Baba by Your grace please radiate Your sweet and tender smile– illumine my entire existence. Baba, by Your causeless grace please come in my world of ideation with rhythm and new effulgence–exuding Your charming vibration…’

Note 3: WHY WE DON’T LIGHT FIRECRACKERS

There are a variety of reasons why we do not support the lighting of fireworks during our AM festivals or anytime.

1. Fireworks / Firecrackers are costly and a waste of money;
2. Fireworks / Firecrackers are dangerous can bring bodily harm;
3. Fireworks / Firecrackers create a huge amount of pollution

This below letter details some of the dangers and pollution issues related with fireworks:

http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2011/07/deadly-practice.html

This Baba story sheds light on why firecrackers are a waste.

http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2011/10/baba-story-warning-about-firecrackers.html

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We Should Find Out True Avadhuta

To: am-global@earthlink.net
From: “Tapan Deva”
Subject: We Should Find Out True Avadhuta
Date: Sun, 23 Oct 2011 20:17:54

Baba

“Ka’che o du’re na’-ja’na’ sure toma’ri ga’n ami shun’echi…” (PS 232)

Purport:

Baba, from all distances and directions, from both near and far, I have heard Your divine song, with its unknown melody. It is Your grace. In the sweet, euphoric breeze across the soothing and charming sky, I have seen Your exquisite beauty. Baba, this entire manifested universe reflects Your grand and magnificent Self.

In the external world, through rhythms and songs, in my happiness and sorrow, nobody was there with me to rejoice in my good days nor wipe away the tears and comfort me in my suffering. Through all the ups and downs of life, I was all alone. Baba, on a dark night, on a lonely pathway, You were there along with me as my eternal companion. Baba, only You were there to love and care for me.

Baba, when times were wrought with tragedy and I did not know what to do, everyone went away, leaving me all alone. Their false love vanished into the oblivion. Baba, through all my suffering and in the midst of danger, only You remained with me. That is why I always hold You in my heart and keep You in my mind. Baba, You are my everything.

Baba, You always reside in heart…

== WE SHOULD FIND OUT THE TRUE AVADHUTA ==

Namaskar,
We should search and seek out avadhutas / avadhutikas according to this definition which Baba has given in His renowned discourse, “Kashi Avadhuta Sabha”.

Baba says, “Sincerity means they [avadhutas / avadhutikas] should be one in thinking, saying, and in action. There will be no difference in their thinking, saying, and action. There will be no hypocrisy. Their saying and action will be clear, concrete, and conclusive. In our day to day life, we meet some persons – those who are thinking one thing, saying another, and doing some other thing. The avadhutas should not do this thing. Their heart should be clean and simple. The simple heart is the only qualification of the sadhakas.” (Kashi Avadhuta Sabha, May 1980)

In reading Baba’s above teachings we can easily understand that merely having the title of avadhuta and the suffix -ananda attached to the end of the name does not make one an avadhuta. Dress and name alone are simply not enough. Everybody and anybody can get that.

In order to become a true avadhuta, sincerity is needed. Without that one will never be a true avadhuta.

Those who have the dress and name of an avadhuta but lack the requisite sincerity should still try and pursue this endeavor of becoming a true avadhuta.

In fact, everyone should aspire to this ideal. For that type of sincerity which Baba describes above is the sign of an ideal sadhaka.

We should all seek out and find such persons who are true avadhutas. And we should aim for that ourselves by achieving perfect symmetry between thought, word, and deed.

Baba says, “There must not be any gap between your thinking and your actions. If there is any gap, that gap should be minimized step by step, and finally thought and action should coincide.” (YP)

Baba says, “In the final stage, that is, when one attains the stage of devatá, then what one thinks, one says; and what one says, one does. There is no difference amongst thinking, saying, and doing. And that is the best stage of human structure or human existence. You should all try to be like this, and I want the number of such persons, who have attained the stratum of devatá, to increase. And you have become workers, or wholetimers, just to increase the number of these devatás in human society.” (Ánanda Vacanámrtam Part 1, From Animality to Divinity)

Namaskar,
Tapan

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Baba Story: Warning About Firecrackers

To: “AM-GLOBAL”
Sent: Sun, Oct 23, 2011 09:36 AM
Subject: Baba Story: Warning About Firecrackers

Baba

== BABA STORY: WARNING ABOUT FIRECRACKERS ==

Namaskar,
Here is a story from the 1960’s as recounted by senior margii, DR P.D. Singh, an orthopedic surgeon from Ranchi.

The quoted lines below are direct, exact words from our dear margii brother, Dr Singh. That is why this story is told in the first-person using “I”.

Here begins the story….

MY VISIT WITH BABA

During the 1960’s I was a student and I would go and visit Baba often; He was always very gracious would give guidelines and speak on various topics. I had a close and respectful relation with Baba.

On this particular occasion, in late October, during the time of vijaya dashami or deshahara day, all kinds of festivities were going on, including fireworks / firecrackers.
I was sitting with Baba, attending to Him, in His quarters.

In celebration of this festival, many in our local neighborhood were also shooting off firecrackers. I decided to raise this matter with Baba.

I said, “Baba, people misuse crores of rupees (tens of millions) in erecting huge, multi-story paper temples on the road for this festival, and these temples only last 3 – 5 days.”

“Baba, in this festival people also spend crores of rupees on useless festivities like firecrackers. These firecrackers cause hearing loss and bodily injuries etc. It is very painful that people misuse so much money in this way, while on the other side the common masses are suffering terribly.”

Baba replied, “Yes you are right, the poor people are suffering; they do not have food, shelter, clothing, medical care and education. They lack the basic requirements. It would be far better if they served those impoverished people with that money. That would be great social service.”

Baba continued, “These firecrackers are a total misuse and abuse of funds; they also create lots of pollution. The money should be used for social service. Those who love humanity will not misuse their hard earned wealth for such negative pursuits like firecrackers.”

That concludes the story as told by Dr P.D. Singh.

REFLECTION

I think this above story of PD Singh gives a very good and meaninful guideline to us all.

Unfortunately, nowadays in our Marga there is also a competition of lighting fireworks. Tragically, that negative trend has been adopted by some in AM, during both vijaya dashamai and diipavali, and on select other festival days.

We should all be more conscious about this. Those who purchased fireworks should sell them back to shopkeepers in order to follow Baba’s stated guideline.

It is just like if someone purchased poison for their own personal use and later realised that life itself is very important, then they will not ingest it. Rather they will throw it away.

Similarly those who purchased fireworks should not use those firecrackers.

I also used to shoot off fireworks but after hearing this story I stopped immediately. This is a very practical and meaningful guideline. After all, money should not be used and abused but rather spent in a proper way, i.e. for the service of those in need.

Finally, this story of Dr PD Singh was told to me and it is my shortcoming that I could not post it earlier at the proper time before everyone purchased their fireworks for these festival days.

Namaskar,
AM Correspondent

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Do Not Blame Prabhat Samgiita

From: Virendra Deva
To: am-global@earthlink.net
Subject: Do Not Blame Prabhat Samgiita
Date: Sat 22 Oct 2011 20:41:36 +1000

Baba

== DO NOT BLAME PRABHAT SAMGIITA ==

Namaskar,
This letter is the reply for SS Goenka Dada; by reading it will all become quite clear.

MELANCHOLIC LOVE SONGS

In common parlance, everyone is aware about love songs. Love can be directed in a worldly way (kama) or in a spiritual manner (prema). The first is worldly attachment and the second is love for God.

And when the person longs for the proximity of their lover, then that constitutes a melancholic love song. That lover could be mundane or divine. The great 16th century devotee Miira’s love (prema) was directed towards Lord Krsna, whereas today’s youths in materialistic societies are infatuated (kama) with the opposite sex.

I am giving this latter example only to make the point clear about melancholy. Otherwise I would not have brought this example. With worldly examples everyone can understand. Of course, Baba has written melancholic songs related with love (prema) for Parama Purusa.

Let’s examine this further.

MELANCHOLIC WORLDLY LOVE SONGS

In worldly “love songs” that appear on the radio, as well as in poems, folk songs, dramas, sentient literature, and pseudo-culture parties etc, there are countless examples, where a person expresses their pain of having their lover so far away.

For example, in those worldly love (kama) songs, there are lines like: “I can’t stand having you gone”, “Why did you leave so soon”, “I can’t live without you” etc.

The aforementioned lines from popular love (kama) songs reflect a person’s agony of feeling that their lover is away. They cannot stand the pain of separation. This is a very common feeling when two close persons are infatuated with one another. So those lines express worldly feelings of love and intimacy.

So how do melancholic feelings develop? Suppose someone is singing, “Why did you leave me.” Here, this expression means a person loves their dearest so much that even a short span of separation feels like an eternity. They want to be close yet due to circumstance they are not – hence their pain and misery. They want to be near their beloved and that is why they sing, “Why did you leave me?” So those lines -“Why did you leave me” – do not mean that their lover has died etc. This is just the expression of worldly love (kama) – i.e. melancholic longing for the one with whom they are infatuated.

And of course there are devotional love songs as well made famous by mystic poets like Rabindranath Tagore, Vidyapati, Surdas, Miirabai, Kabir Das and so many others who have written countless melancholic love songs about the Divine. In such compositions, they sing, “O my Dearmost, where have You gone, I am desperate and lost without You.”

MELANCHOLIC SONGS IN PRABHAT SAMGIITA

Here the whole point is that when the lyrics of a song express that a lover does not feel proximity to their beloved to the extent that they desire, then that song is a melancholic love song. Again, this may occur in mundane life or spiritual life.

Certainly, melancholic songs are an important element of devotional life. In Sanskrit it is called virah, (melancholy). In Prabhat Samgiita, as we know similar lines are used to express feelings of melancholy.

Of course in Prabhat Samgiita the link between bhakta and Parama Purusa is based on devotional yearning (prema) – not superficial mundane attraction (kama).

We all understand that Baba knows the feelings of all His devotees and how they relate and express their love towards Parama Purusa. So for each and every kind of devotional expression (i.e. love or prema) Baba has uniquely composed His lyrics in Prabhat Samgiita.

If you go through the meanings and purports of those songs you will realize these are means for a devotee to express his deep love and affection for Parama Purusa That depth of communication is present.

Those who do regular sadhana – especially dhyana – sometimes feel the close proximity of Parama Purusa and sometimes devotees feel that Baba is distant and far away. At times, despite their devotional yearning, the sadhaka does not feel that He is coming in dhyana. And that gives the feeling of melancholy in the heart of any sadhaka who is trying to meditate and gain His proximity.

In that mental state, the bhakta sings songs like:

Tumi esechile ka’u ke na’ bole,
Na’ ja’niye gele cale (PS 2085)

“Oh my Lord, You came in my mental abode, then without telling me You went away. Now I am trying to meditate on you in dhyana but I am not getting you.”

A melancholic song does not mean that Baba has gone away and left forever. It does not mean that He has died. Rather, Baba is everywhere but the sadhaka does not feel the close presence of Parama Purusa in his heart. That is why this type of emotion comes: “O Lord where have You gone, why have You left me.”

A melancholic song does not mean the death of the lover – and certainly not the death of Parama Purusa.

For instance, the aforementioned song, PS #2085 “Tumi esechile…”, is a melancholic song where bhakta was blessed to have the close proximity of Parama Purusa in the past but now in his meditation Parama Purusa is not coming in that very intimate way. So the sadhakha feels melancholic longing (prema) for Him. Thus this is not at all a death or so-called mahaprayan song.

LONG HISTORY OF MELANCHOLIC SONGS

So indeed there is a long tradition of melancholic songs across numerous communities and societies, spanning many languages and regions. As we see such songs are used in both mundane and spiritual life. And the essential meaning is that of yearning to be with your dearest one again.

In mundane love (kama), two young hearts fall in love, i.e. worldly attraction. In times of longing, they sing this type of song: “O’ my dearest, where have you gone. I love you. I want to be with you.” In this manner they express their melancholic feeling. And this line does not mean that their lover has died. It means that they yearn for closer proximity with their most intimate companion. Whatever their current situation may be – perhaps their lover has gone away on a business trip or is in a meeting across town – they desire more closeness. That is the overall spirit of worldly, melancholic songs.

And we see this expressed in so many avenues such as film, drama, dance, literature – everywhere this is going on

MELANCHOLIC SONGS IN DEVOTIONAL SPHERE

Similarly, devotees sing melancholic songs for the Lord. Those songs also do not at all imply death. It just means that such bhaktas want to be in closer proximity with their Dearest One, in a more intimate and personal way. There is no question of death of Parama Purusa. Rather to have melancholic longing, one must already feel a degree of closeness with Parama Purusa. The deep yearning for even greater intimacy is what is termed as melancholic longing in spiritual parlance.

That is what this genre of Prabhat Samgiita songs are all about: Longing for greater proximity with Baba.

WITH THAT LOGIC PRABHAT SAMGIITA BECOMES USELESS

In Prabhat Samgiita and poetry there are various moods: Melancholy, nostalgia, anger, desperation, joy, romance, and so much more.

Unfortunately some have infused the dogmatic notion that our melancholic songs of Prabhat Samgiita are about so-called mahaprayan. Of course any rational-minded margii easily understands that melancholic songs are not “MPD” songs. First of all, we do not accept the dogma of “mahaprayan” and secondly that is not the meaning of such songs.

And if we were to accept the false idea that melancholic songs means the death of Parama Purusa, then that would render all His many songs of arrival as being meaningless. For if He has gone away forever and died – as some interpret such so-called mahaprayan songs, then how could there be songs of arrival where He comes close.

For instance the song, “Tumi esecho mana je ker’echo..” (PS #200) states, “O’ Baba, You have come close and stolen my mind.” Yet, when Baba is gone forever never to come again, then how can one sing that “Baba, You have come and stolen my mind.” One cannot. Because there is no possibility of His coming when He has died, as the so-called mahaprayan songs dictate.

Here the clear-cut answer is two-fold:
1) The deeply devotional melancholic Prabaht Samgiita do not refer to so-called mahaprayan;
2) The blissful songs of Baba’s arrival in Prabhat Samgiita are not meaningless or valueless. Rather they are a reality in the life of every true sadhaka.

Unfortunately, those who invented so-called mahaprayan have flip-flopped this theorem. They have wrongly attempted to justify their dogmatic mahaprayan program by stating that this is what Baba has written in certain Prabhat Samgiita.

JUST LIKE…

But such logic is the same as those religions that argue that, “God has created goats for us to eat, after all what is the value of such goats when we cannot ride them like horses.” Or it is like the pickpocket who thinks that, “God has created scissors so that I can cut the garments of others and rob them, otherwise what is the use of such scissors.” In both cases in order to justify their selfish ends, they attempt to blame God.

Likewise, those who want to justify their dogmatic program of mahaprayan, they argue that Baba has created Prabhat Samgiita for this very purpose: To express the pain of “mahaprayan”. Otherwise why has He created such songs.

Thus we see that those inventors of so-called mahaprayan suffer from the same defective mentality as those Islamic worshipers and pickpockets.

SOME MISGUIDED OTHERS INTO THINKING AS MPD SONGS

Even worse is that the problem does not stop here.

The inventors of so-called mahprayan have furthermore confused others by infusing the dogmatic notion that certain Prabhat Samgiita are mahaprayan songs. Indeed such persons should be brought to task. They should be publicly shamed for their selfishness and duplicity of trying to turn Baba’s eternal collection of Prabhat Samgiita into something dogmatic.

Here I am specifically talking about the organisers of so-called mahaprayan and how they have led others astray.

As we all know, Shyam Sundar Goenka is himself a good man and a well-established Ananda Margii, but he became victim of their propaganda. The organisers of so-called mahaprayan are booming their false logic of how melancholic Prabhat Samgiita are so-called mahaprayan songs. As a result of this booming, even good people started thinking that must be correct. It seems SS Goenka Dada was misled in this way.

And there is a horrible precedent of such tactics. Hitler’s chief of propaganda worked in the same manner. Joseph Goebbels just boomed the same Nazi propaganda of Aryan supremacy: “Our Fuhrer Hitler and Germany are unparalleled, Now, people rise up, and let the storm break loose & bring victory to Germany!” This occurred day after day until even good citizens became convinced.

Here the point is that when anything that gets repeated again and again then people started believing it.

With regards to Prabhat Samgiita, the inventors of so-called mahaprayan repeated over and over again that melancholic songs are so-called mahaprayan songs. By this way, some simple people began believing this. Along the way they even convinced respected Goenka Dada that Baba’s melancholic songs are actually mahaprayan songs. In this way they befooled him and other sincere margiis. Indeed no one should think that Goenka is alone in this. Unfortunately with their propaganda machine, those inventors of so-called mahaprayan have led many astray.

Baba has composed thousands of such melancholic songs. Devious political motivations should never lead one to mislabel these songs or misguide others. I pity the fate of those doing like this.

BABA’S BLESSING

As disciples of Shrii Shrii Anandamurti ji it is our duty to protect His teachings and literature. We should not allow anyone to alter or mislabel His melancholic songs as so-called mahaprayan song or death song of Parama Purusa. We should not watch helplessly. We should come forward and save bhagavad dharma.

All these deeply devotional songs should remain as a melancholic songs. They should not be mislabeled and used for some other agenda like so-called Mahaprayan.

Baba says, “We will not deviate an inch from our ideology, nor will we allow others to do so…If one is not able to give the people proper guidance, then at least one should not misguide them [the common people]. One must not divert them from the proper path.” (Namah Shivaya Shantaya, Disc: 14)

Baba says, “Scriptures containing spiritual injunctions must be totally flawless.” (Namah Shivaya Shantaya, Disc: 14)

Namaskar,
Virendra

NOTE 1: DEVIOUS DESIGNATION AS DEATH SONG

At so-called mahaprayan, since 1990 onwards, purposely this song #2085 has been sung and mislabeled as “The MPD song”. The meaning gets explained in such a way to encourage the emotion that Parama Purusa has died. They created this vibration by their tall talks and tried to permanently label PS 2085 (and other melancholic songs) as so-called mahaprayan songs. Just like a marriage song is only sung at marriage ceremonies; similarly they want this song, PS #2085 as well as other melancholic songs, to be exclusively designated as the so-called mahaprayan song. That is the sinful dealing that is going on. May we always remember that Parama Purusa is always in the heart of devotees yet this feeling of death is imposed on this sinful program of “mahaprayan”.

NOTE 2: MPD: RATIONALITY GONE, DOGMA PREVAILS

Just as idol worshipers are emotionally involved in idols and they do not want to listen to the logic that idol worship crudifies them, similarly in MPD the emotion is charged and people do not want to hear that Parama Purusa, who they think died, is sitting in the heart watching them. Instead they are treating Him as an ordinary mortal who died. In this case, blind emotion gets victory over rationality & devotion, while dogma prevails.

By Baba’s grace more and more margiis and wts are easily understanding this fact. Indeed the dark ways of the so-called mahaprayan program are getting exposed.

NOTE 3: IF THIS TREND CONTINUES…

If this trend of labeling melancholic songs as so-called mahaprayan songs continues, someone will certainly label Tagore’s melancholic songs as the so-called mahaprayan song of Lord Krsna or the Divine Entity etc. They too are melancholic songs and in case of Prabhat Samgiita such melancholic songs got labeled as so-called MPD songs. That is the tragedy.

We must not be the party to this type of wrongdoing nor allow others.

NOTE 4: NOW READ HIS WORDS

Our esteemed and elder brother SS Goenka has shared these words on the public forum as he attempt to justify the existence of so-called mahaprayan songs in Prabhat Samgiita:

How do you justify the sorrowful and pining agony expressed in Prabhat Samgiita by the versifier (viz. Baba)?…If Baba is present all the time with us, what is necessity for the pain of separation and agony of separation? Why has Baba scripted so many verses on this subject, which are fit and advisable for the devotees to voice and sing?
(Written by SS Goenka on Thu, 20 Oct 2011 18:30:28 +0530)

This entire email clearly addresses the types of misunderstanding from which Goenka Dada suffers. Really all I can share is my deepest sympathy and regard for Goenkaji, only I am sorry he has been so deeply befooled by the inventors of so-called mahaprayan. When a devotee of the calibre of Goenka Dada can be led astray then really we should all be careful and request Baba to keep us on the right path.

PRABHAT SAMGIITA

“Toma’r a’ma’r bha’loba’sa’ keu va ja’ne, keu ja’ne na’…” (P.S. 1423)

Purport:

Baba, You love me and I love You. This very fact is not commonly known. Baba, about my and Your love, a few may recognise but many not. Some believe that love between the unit and the vast is indeed possible, but some do not believe this eternal truth.

When the garland is prepared with only an insignificant thread, some think that it is just a collection of flowers. While others can understand that this garland represents the very sweet feeling and deep loving relation for Whom it is made.

Nobody cares to recognize that on even small dew drops the whole sun is reflecting. In a similar way, the unit carries a deep loving relation with Parama Purusa. And in its little heart, Parama Purusa remains close by.

How much energy one little molecule can assimilate, the ordinary intellect does not realise– nay cannot recognise. The little flower which is dancing keeping the nectar in its heart, that is the entire sweetness of the flower and its meaningful existence. In the same way, the beauty of human beings is to carry the loving feeling for Parama Purusa in their heart. That is the Goal of life. And then life becomes successful…

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Misuse & Abuse of Manan

To: AM-GLOBAL
From: Foster Davis
Subject: Misuse & Abuse of Manan
Date: Fri, 21 Oct 2011 22:29:23 -0400

Baba

“Tumi ye path dhariya’ esechile ta’ha’r surabhi a’jao a’che…” (PS 756)

Purport:

Baba, the path on which You came still carries Your sweet fragrance even today. The divine love which You showered upon me with Your sweet and charming smile, its vibration is still dancing to this day. And it is blissfully charging my whole existence.

Baba You came with the aroma of sweet songs; You came with the melody and tune. And You graced me and became my nearest and dearest– You became one with my heart. It is Your grace.

Baba, at that time why did You look towards me in such a sweet, attractive way and take my heart away. That very loving gaze is still fresh in my mind. Just one single glance of Yours changed my whole existence. Baba You showered me with Your loving grace.

Baba, You thought about me and that is the greatest achievement of my life. What more do I need. The force of that Divine gift is not exhausted even today; it always gives me strength and inspiration to go on loving You.

Even today, I am surviving on the hope that I will again get You as my intimate, as my close, as my own. Baba, Your sweet smile is still fresh in my mind and fills my heart with Your divine love…

== MISUSE & ABUSE OF MANAN ==

Note: With the Occupy Wall Street protests in full swing, and garnering a lot of attention, some may think that all the ills of capitalism have been uncovered in the form of corporate greed etc. As Ananda Margiis, we know that the disease and trickery of capitalism go deeper than that. We should all be aware of the following so we can guide others.

Namaskar,
In this present era, while living in this mostly capitalist dominated world, it is necessary for one to be careful lest they fall in the capitalists’ degrading trap. Because with their crooked ways, the capitalists infuse certain negative thought patterns to suit their greedy ends.

As we know the Sanskrit term ‘manan’, i.e. thinking, can be spiritually elevating or totally degenerating. In the case of the latter, those crude thoughts have a terrible effect on the human psyche– on one’s mental structure, causing depression & ultimately degradation.

Baba says, “Regarding this faculty of thinking, if it is done in a methodical way, the result is certainly positive…But if it is not done in a methodical way, the general result is negative.” (YP, ‘Mind Grows in Magnitude’)

So all should be aware about the sneaky ploy executed by today’s capitalist exploiters. Because their goal is to make people misuse and abuse their power of manan, just so that they (the capitalists) can make huge money.

PATH OF THE YOGI: AS YOU THINK SO BECOME

Of course, for ages & ages yogis have held a deep belief in the dominance of mind; and yogis have long cultivated the habit of positive & systematic thinking in order to build a healthy mental arena.

For that reason yogis pointedly spend their days practicing the pure approaches to manan, shravan, niddhidhyasana. That is thinking godly thoughts (manan), listening devotional ideas (shravan), and ideating on Parama Purusa (niddhidhyasana).

Because yogis understand well the theory, ‘As you think so you become’.

By this way there is a distinctly positive momentum in the mind and it advances inwards towards the cosmic nucleus. That is, the mind gets transformed and restructured by the continued practice of mantra japa and dhyana. By thinking in that uniquely spiritual way the mind becomes more subtle and sublime and moves towards that spiritual Goal.

This is the cherished way of the yogi.

DUPLICITY OF CAPITALISTS

Capitalists– on the other hand– are matter-centered and in their crude theory they do not (openly) recognise the concept of mind. Rather capitalists believe that matter is everything. That is their expressed philosophy.

Yet, they have one trick up their sleeve as well.

Because, in their devilish dealing, the capitalists employ mental tricks in order to control the public. That is they infuse their own ideas into the public mindset in order to get the public to think about their products. This is how the capitalists abuse the practice of manan– mental thinking.

So on the one side in theory such capitalists proclaim that this universe is matter centered and one can just ignore the mind. That is their stated agenda. But their practice is something quite different. They understand that the best way to control a person is through the mind and not through matter. And that is how they sell their products, by staining people’s minds.

They infuse within people the mental desire to look or be a certain way by buying certain products. That is the sales-pitch of capitalists.

CAPITALISTS INTENTIONALLY DEGRADE THE PUBLIC MIND

THROUGH THE ABUSE OF MANAN

That is why we see that through their endless advertising campaigns and media onslaught the capitalists’ chief plan is to colour the public mind-set with propaganda about their products. Through radio, tv, films, internet, newspapers, magazines and so many other avenues, the capitalists spread their crude messages to the consumers– in an attempt to get their
slogans deeply embedded within the public psyche. This is their dastardly method.

Thus in their hypocrisy those capitalist agencies know that if they can capture the public mind then they make millions and billions of dollars. That is why in their commercials they invent catchy songs and attractive slogans which they hope the public will recite and remember. Such as ‘Have it your way at Burger King’, or ‘Ooh-la-la Sasson’ for Sasson jeans’, or thousands and thousands of other slogans and advertising messages that get repeated millions of times during the day.

Even if one walks into any elementary or primary school, then it is evident that the tender minds of our children are already littered with the ideas of big-business. Because the children walk around singing the songs of those capitalist commercials etc. And that type of abuse of manan– that type of negative thinking– adversely affects their development of mind. But for the capitalists it means profit, profit, profit.

So this is the heinous trick going on in this era. And while surely many are protesting corporate greed, they may not at all be aware about the psychology of capitalism. Rahter they may be drowned in it completely.

Indeed this is what happens to many: Those phrases get infused into the public psyche and the peoples’ mind becomes saturated with that capitalistic propaganda. In which case their whole mental arena becomes distorted and full of that capitalist junk.

Baba says, “Now, everywhere, in cent-per-cent of the cases, there is wastage of human psychic potentiality. The psychic potentialities of human beings are immense, but people do not utilise them because most of their valuable time is wasted in undesirable thoughts, in psychic extravaganza.” (YP, p.134)

THE PUBLIC GETS TOTALLY DUPED

THEY THINK THE IDEA TO PURCHASE WAS ORIGINALLY THEIRS

So the whole sequence of events is quite nasty and sublime. Because the capitalists invent invasive approaches to enter into the public mind set, in turn the public psyche gets distorted and coloured by crude messages, and in that subliminal tactic that public does not even realise that they are getting affected by those crude propaganda campaigns.

Rather when Tom, Dick, or Harry walks into a store and they see an item that they want to buy– such as cologne or an automobile or a toaster etc– then they really think that it is their inner heart’s desire to purchase that thing. They do not realise that this is a capitalistic schema imposed upon their psyche.

Rather that brainwashed consumer takes total ownership of that desire and they are convinced that the purchase of that item will satisfy their inner longing.

And this happens to all members of the general public: men, women, children. All start thinking that they must look a certain way, act a particular way, and possess certain items. And they think that this is their true internal longing– that this will bring them happiness and success. But little do they realise that they are getting cheated to the
bone by feisty capitalists.

Hence by the abuse of manan– by infusing negative ways of thinking on the minds of the common people– those capitalists achieve their crooked ends of selling their products. That is all they care about. And in their duplicity they know that the best and only way to achieve this is to recognise the dominance of mind and distort the public way of thinking. And tragically this is exactly what they have achieved in this negative era of capitalism.

And in result the common people suffering in innumerable ways such as depression, anxiety, until ultimately they fall into crude samadhi etc.

GOAD MIND TOWARDS PARAMA PURUSA– NOWHERE ELSE

As Ananda Margiis, we must never fall prey to the sinister traps set by those hoarding capitalists. We must keep the mind clean and pure and be vigilant not to become painted in the colour of consumerism. This is Baba’s strict warning.

Baba says, “From the psychic sphere also, unnecessary waves are to be removed. This will remove many burdens from the mind. ‘I must not bother about petty things, because that will waste my time’ — people should remember this. This removal or rather withdrawal of unnecessary and undesirable thoughts emanated from the mind, will help you in rationalising the major portion of your mental faculty, and so this must also be practised.” (YP)

Thus Baba’s above guideline is to keep the mind free and clear of negative ways of thinking– our mental arena must not get polluted by crude thoughts or capitalistic advertising slogans. By ridding the mind of such things, then our human mind can be properly utilised.

Ultimately Baba guides us that we should direct all our thoughts towards that Supreme One.

Baba says, “Withdraw the mind from physical objects and goad it unto Parama Purus’a”. (AV-14)

Baba’s teaching then is not to let the mind get overwrought with the crude effects of capitalism; rather one is to push the mind in a distinctly spiritual way of thinking. That is the real manan– otherwise degradation will occur.

So we should chant our kiirtan and repeat our ista mantra all day long and not for one second think about the propaganda of those cheating capitalists. We should not allow their tactics to invade our mental arena. This must never be allowed to happen. If it does one will become a slave of capitalism.

That is why Baba’s mandate is to infuse the mind with sentient thoughts and sweet ideations. Here again is Baba’s divine guideline.

Baba says, “You must have a spiritual goal. You must know what to do, what not to do, how to do, why to do. And for this purpose, the movement is to make the mind pinnacled, apexed, and bring all the propensities to that point, and goad it towards your spiritual goal.” (‘Subjective Approach Objective Adjustment’)

BABA’S BLESSING

By Baba’s grace each and every margii will grow in a clean way through proper manan– through proper thinking. This is Baba’s blessing.

Baba says, “You will have to ultimately reach Parama Purus’a. This is the pinnacled point, the supreme point of human glory. You should always remember this, during your lifetime and even after your death.” – Baba

Namaskar,
Purusottama

Note 1: MUST WARN THE PUBLIC

Through pracar, education, and constant effort we must awaken the common public to the capitalists’ negative and abusive strategy of manan. All must be alerted about these tricky maneuvers lest the common become more and more degraded.

Not only that, with the upsurge of Occupy Wall Street protests, we should take the opportunity to share with others how capitalism invades the mind. This type of inner understanding is needed in order to truly lead the people.

Note 2: THE BEST PRACTICE OF MANAN

Here below Baba outlines the highest and most pure way to do manan.

Baba says, “Manana, that is, thinking only about Parama Purus´a and about no one else. If any other person or thing comes in the mind, ascribe Brahma-hood to that person or thing. This process is manana.” (AMIWL-11, ‘Mantra Caetanya’)

***************************************
Futility of Materialism

Baba says, “Materialism is the sign of shallow knowledge. Due to lack of proper understanding and ignorance people become materialists. Human beings should study more and acquire sufficient knowledge. Then they will understand that in materialism there is nothing.” (DMC 84 Delhi, SS-16 (H))
***************************************

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Ista Mantra and Guru Mantra

Date: 20 Oct 2011 21:12:05 -0000
From: “Subhash Dholakia”
To: am-global@earthlink.net
Subject: Ista Mantra and Guru Mantra

Baba

“Tava bha’loba’sa’ keno ashru ma’kha’, he devata’…” (PS 1781)

Purport:

O’ my Lord, those who love You desperately want to get You more and more close; they long for You and cry for You but You do not come. Baba, You are the Divine One then why is Your love drenched in tears. Baba, sometimes You come close and smile sweetly in my mind and other times You remain far and my mind is just involved in worldly thoughts and crude desires. Baba, why is Your coming and going shrouded in mystery; please tell Your tales– Your ways. O’ my dearmost, please tell me why You do like this.

Baba, various jinana sadhakas try to know You through their intellectual pursuits. But by this way their heart cannot get drenched in Your divine love. Baba, You do not allow Yourself to be held by the philosophy or material science. Rather You remain far, far away; You do not come close to such jinanis. One cannot get You with the vanity of darshan (mundane theory) or with the pride of vijinana (worldly knowledge). Baba, I want to have You close, but in spite of my repeated asking and requests You do not tell me what You want. You do not reveal to me how I can hold You in my heart. You do not tell me the answer; You just keep quiet– smiling. Baba, even then how sweet You are: You love me so much and You come close to shower me in Your love. Such a sweetness. Baba, You are Love Personified. You have bound me in the bond of Your love; this is nothing but Your causeless grace, O’ my Dearmost.

Baba, You do not give shelter to vain persons. Those who are arrogant and egoistic do not surrender themselves at Your alter; they are unable to realise You. Baba, by Your grace You remove the all the ailments from the mind, including vanity and ego. Jinanis drown themselves in the psychic disease of ahamkara [1] (ego), but by Your grace You dispel the fog of arrogance from their mind after pulverizing their ego. Baba, You are so gracious. You understand the upsurge of devotional love, and You are radiant with that soft and tender love. O my dearmost, with Your ever-flowing grace You saturate everything with Your love and sweetness. Baba, You Yourself are divine and Your beauty is unfathomable. Baba, please come in my heart…

ASTERISK NOTES (*):

[1] “A’hamka’re prashreya na’hi da’o, rucivika’re sudu’re sara’o…”: This is the first line of the third stanza of the above Prabhat Samgiita (PS #1781) where Baba is warning us about the hazards of ego and vanity etc. By this way we can understand so many of Baba’s teachings, nay the whole of AM philosophy, is represented in a concentrated manner in Prabhat Samgiita. So Baba’s divine discourses elaborate on those seed form ideas which He has given in Prabhat Samgiita.

Here then in one of His discourses Baba warns sadhakas in detail about the dangers of aham’ka’ra and explains how it comes in three various forms. And side by side He also gives the solution.

Baba says, “The aham’ka’ra [pride] that creeps into a person due to the acquisition of jina’na has very serious repercussions in human life. It can lead to the complete downfall of the individual. Aham’ka’ra falls into three basic types, and each of the types brings disastrous results:

“The first type of aham’ka’ra is called abhima’nam, which means that a person thinks that he deserves more than what he is getting; and consequently develops an overbearing attitude towards everyone.”

“Gaorava is the second type of aham’ka’ra. It means ‘self-aggrandizement’. Puffed up with vanity, a person will want to project his image in an exaggerated manner.Often we hear somebody say, for example, that they have a rose the size of a balloon in their garden – whereas actually the rose may be the size of a ping-pong ball. Constant indulgence in this type of activity converts the mind into matter.”

“The third type of aham’ka’ra is [the desire for] pratis’t’ha’ – the desire to make oneself known. A person influenced by [the desire for] pratis’t’ha’ expects respect from everyone, and hankers after name and fame.” “After having analysed the various types of aham’ka’ra and their evil effects, we need to examine the ways and means of getting rid of these
defects.”

“In order to get rid of abhima’na, one will have to cultivate the habit of being polite and humble. Just as a [blade of grass] may lie on the ground [underfoot], but does not, through its remaining humble, lose its importance, so a person will never become insignificant by being humble. Humility such as that of the [blade of grass] can alone save a person from
abhima’na.”

“A person who is always engaged in the thought of his pratis’t’ha’ must learn how to care about the respect and prestige of others. Such a person must never forget that respect begets respect, and that he should always honour those who are not honoured by anyone. A constant practice of this type will remove the evil effects of the desire for pratis’t’ha’.”

“And finally, a person who moves about puffed up with vanity and arrogance, and is always engaged in gaorava, self-aggrandizement, will be able to improve only by utilizing his time in kiirtana. If a person keeps himself engaged in kiirtana, that person will not have time to criticize and slander anyone in order to project his own image by comparison and contrast.”

“Therefore spiritual aspirants who have set their eyes on Parama Purus’a as their goal must always strive to get rid of aham’ka’ra, and gain the full benefits of jina’na and karma, so as to arouse and enliven bhakti, which is the only road to the journey’s end.” (AV-23, p.104-110)

So we should always remember how Baba has given His entire philosophy in Prabhat Samgiita and that it is His usual way to give long discourse about a single Prabhat Samgiita. You may remember that in one DMC the purport of one Prabhat Samgiita became an entire RU discourse: ‘Humanity on the Threshold of a New Era’. By all this it is quite evident that Baba’s Prabhat Samgiita compositions hold great meaning and contain innumerable eternal truths. So we should cultivate the practice of learning Prabhat Samgiita more and more. Baba has given the tradition that during our DMS gatherings, dharmacakra, social functions, and spiritual retreats etc, the organisers should not give their own silly lectures but rather utilise the time in giving the purports of Baba’s divine Prabhat Samgiita. By this way each and every A’nanda Ma’rgii will learn the entire social and spiritual philosophy of the vast AM ideology.

== ISTA MANTRA AND GURU MANTRA ==

Namaskar,
During the second week of January 1979, I attended one of Baba’s general darshans. And on that occasion by His sweet grace He beautifully explained the essential quality and inner spirit of both the Ista mantra and Guru mantra.

THE INTIMACY OF OUR ISTA MANTRA

In His description of the Istra mantra, Baba began by telling that in our family life, there are various ways to communicate with one another, such as in the personal relation between a mother and her son. For instance, if the son’s given name is Ram Kumar then naturally the mother does not always like to address her son by his formal or legal name of Ram Kumar. Rather, in the closeness of their day to day living the mother affectionately calls him ‘Ramu’. So the nickname ‘Ramu’ is one loving way for the mother to address her son.

Similar is case in the relation between the bhakta and Parama Purusa. Parama Purusa has countless official names or formal titles– one for each of His infinite attributions. But all along there is one very special & meaningful way for the devotee to call Parama Purusa: That is with one’s Ista Mantra. This is the very personal and intimate way for the bhakta to
call Parama Purusa.

As we all know “Ista” means ‘most loving’, ‘most dear’, ‘most intimate’ etc. So our Ista Mantra is one very loving way for the bhakta to devotionally address Parama Purusa. Thus when we repeat or chant of Ista mantra we are calling Parama Purusa. That is the speciality of our Ista mantra.

THE SPECIALITY OF GURU MANTRA

And with respect to Guru mantra, Baba has also given a special description.

Baba graciously guides us that when we do any action in this world then we have to remember that Guru is along with us. When we think that Parama Purusa is indeed watching our each and every move, then that itself is Guru mantra: ‘Parama Purusa is watching me. Wherever I am– I am never alone– constantly He is watching me’. This is the feeling behind Guru mantra, our second lesson also known as madhuvidya.

Here are more postings about the importance and practice of second lesson:

A) This is one special Baba story how second lesson protects sadhakas from danger and disaster.

http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2009/01/baba-story-power-of-guru-mantra.html

B) This below shows how closely related bath mantra is to second lesson.

http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2009/08/not-just-ritual.html

C) In the following letter Baba guides us how we are always to remember second lesson.

http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2009/10/do-you-eat-sweets.html

D) Here is one special Baba story related with second lesson.

http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2009/09/story-baba-sends-money-to-devotee.html

CONCLUSION: CALLING AND REMEMBERING HIM

So by our Ista mantra we are ‘lovingly calling’ Parama Purusa and in the Guru mantra we remember that ‘He is watching me’. These are the beautiful ways Baba has described these mantras in His special darshan that day.

So in our devotional life we are to practice these two mantras accordingly. In the repetition of our Ista mantra we are calling out to Parama Purusa in a deeply loving and personal way– requesting His close proximity. And by our Guru mantra we recall His ever-present gaze, helping to keep the spontaneity and presence of Guru in our daily actions & spiritual lives.

Namaskar,
Subhash

Note 1: HIS INFINITE COMPASSION

When any sadhaka is sincerely calling Parama Purusa through the repetition of their Ista mantra then if the sadhaka’s mind is wandering here and there, even then Parama Purusa feels great compassion in His heart for that devotee and He lovingly responds. It is just like if one baby tries to speak to its mother but cannot due to its insufficient strength, then that time the mother understands the baby’s desire and she responds with all motherly love. Similarly Parama Purusa cannot sit idle or remain aloof whenever any sadhaka calls Him. Rather then and there the devotee’s call resonates in His heart and He responds.

Note 2: MEANING AND USE OF ISTA MANTRA

Baba says, “And regarding one’s Is’t’a mantra – first, what’s the meaning of Is’t’a? Is’t’a means “loving”, “favourite”, “dear”, “attractive”, “goal”, “terminus”, “desideratum”.” (AV-23, ‘Omnkara and Ista Mantra’)

Baba says, “For a sa’dhaka, the most valuable thing is his Is’t’a Mantra. With the help of the Is’t’a Mantra or his personal incantation, a sa’dhaka will attain enlightenment.” (SS-18, ‘The Lord and His Name’)

Note 3: SPIRIT OF GURU MANTRA– MADHUVIDYA

Baba says, “He is the witness of all the worlds, all the deeds done in this universe. Nothing is secret for Him. You cannot do anything nor think anything without being witnessed by Him. If anyone says, ‘I am not being witnessed by anybody,’ He will be witnessing this utterance. So as the witnessing Entity He is always with you. This is the greatest assurance, because when you know that He is with you, your mental strength will increase a thousand-fold, because He is always with you to help you…you are never alone, you are never weak, you are never helpless. So the duty of
a perfect human being, the duty of a spiritual aspirant is always to remember this supreme truth – that one is never alone, one is always with Supreme Father. He will always help you.” (Istanbul, 1979)

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AN College Issue: Procedural Order

Date: 19 Oct 2011 22:34:18 -0000
From: “Pramod Dev”
To: AM-GLOBAL
Subject: AN College Issue: Procedural Order

Baba

ANANDA NAGAR COLLEGE ISSUE:

PROCEDURAL ORDER

Namaskar,
These days some are “up-in-arms” and angered over the recent decision that our Ananda Nagar college will not be open to women. Many are upset that PRS Dada Kalyneshvarananda (Kolkata) announced the decision not to allow females to attend the college.

On this matter, we wholly support and appreciate Kalayneshvarananda Dada’s dharmic stand. While we may disagree with him (and the Kolkata group) on various other matters, but in this circumstance his decision is consistent with Baba’s guideline. In AM we do not condone co-education with students who have reached the age of puberty, i.e. 12 or so. That is why we support Dadaji. And indeed a totally separate university for women can be founded.

Since this is a heated matter, best is to set our emotions aside and follow Guru’s guideline. After all, what Baba says is best for today and for time immemorial as well.

Let us first then review Baba’s teaching and proceed accordingly.

Let us also remember that our AM way of life fully supports and encourages women to be educated up to the highest rank. There is no question of women being denied the opportunity to be educated.

BABA’S PROCEDURAL ORDER

Here following is Baba own Procedural Order which states that our AM schools must not be co-ed once children have reached the age of puberty.

A’NANDA MA’RGA PRACA’RAKA SA’MGHA (Central)
A’NANDA NAGAR
PLO no. 1A/4.2.1969

As per rules, co-education is allowed in our Schools up to Standard V. but boys who are learning in Std. V or below but have crossed twelve years of age will not be permitted to study in any of our lady managed Schools. Similarly girls who are learning in Std. V or below but have crossed 12 years of age, shall not be allowed to study in our Schools (for boys).

Feb 4, 1969

Note: Standard V is the equivalent of 5th grade or 5th class in the western system.

Baba’s guideline then is crystal clear. Once children reach 12 years of age or enter into puberty then boys and girls must not be allowed to study together. That is a mandate within our AM system of education.

Furthermore, in this present era, when children are reaching puberty as early as 9 years of age due to unhealthy living patterns (processed foods, chemicals, meat etc), then we have to be acutely aware and not concern ourselves with age but with whether they have entered puberty or not.

That is Baba’s expressed directive.

So with the college at Ananda Nagar, the situation is extremely straight-forward. There is no room for debate. The college was first opened as an all-male institution as per Baba’s direction. In that case it should remain as such since we do not support co-education after students reach the age of puberty.

Side by side, Baba’s wish is that other similar institutions be opened for women at Uma Nivas and other master units etc. And that is further detailed in Baba’s next teaching; please continue reading.

BABA:

ALL OUR COLLEGES MUST BE SINGLE SEX

Here below is Baba’s exact talk about how in AM there are always separate, parallel learning institutions for men and women.

Baba says, “From today itself, a Homeo-College, Electro-Homeo College and Ayurvedic College have been opened in Anandanagar. From tomorrow, a medical school is being opened for the training in different “pathies” A separate institution for girls is being opened at Uma Nivas. Certificate courses in NATAC (Naturopathy, Acupuncture and Chandsi) are also going to be offered soon. I hear that from 3rd October, 1990, a music college and fine arts college will be opened. A Textile Institute is also to be started soon in order to provide the textile-training for improving the self-reliance of the people. A branch of the same can also be opened for ladies.” (Disc NH Education, Gurukul: History and Planning)

Baba has made everything extremely clear. Our institutions of higher education should be single-sex. That means an institution for gents and one for ladies. They must not both study in the same institution under the same faculty.

In one institution, male instructors will teach the male students, and in a separate institution in a different location, female instructors will teach female students.

That is Baba’s designated system – period. To advocate any other position is to directly contravene Guru’s guideline.

MORE POINTS AND THOUGHTS

Here are more thoughts and ideas on this topic which we help those feeling confused or upset about the decision taken about Ananda Nagar college. Please read the following and share your views.

1. Nothing but Pseudo-Culture Talk:

In today’s world that is being ravaged by pseudo-culture, many propagate co-education because materialists always advocates the mixing of the sexes, in all kinds of circumstances including education. They like to see society plunged into degrading ways and habits. Why? Because then they too can do as they please. And that is what we see happening in materialistic nations.

2. No Free Mixing of the Sexes:

In Ananda Marga, we represent a new civlisation – a new society – based on the divine teachings of Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji. According to Baba, we are to keep the sexes separate in almost all situations including higher education like university studies. And in general we do not support the pseudo-culture ways of open sexuality and the mixing of male and females.

Baba says, “It should be remembered that a woman’s friend is a woman and
a man’s friend is a man.” (CC-1)

Baba says, “Men and women…should not engage in gossip as its results are not beneficial.” (CC-1)

Baba says, ‘Unrelated men and women should not touch one another as far as possible” (CC-1)

To allow a college to accept both male and females students is to invite behaviours that will invariably contravene Baba’s above teachings.

3. School is for Learning not Animalistic Propensities:

Our Ananda Marga system of education is for the all-round growth of human beings in all spheres of life. We want to encourage proper learning and sentient conduct. In contrast, in those lands where males and females study together in colleges and universities, the entire college campus becomes a breeding ground for rampant sexual behaviour, date-rape and deviant activity. Animal behaviours are encouraged in such schools as they are only interested in collecting a high tuition and do not concern themselves with moral codes. But this is not our way. We are interested in educating the whole human personality so students develop into high-minded citizens. We do not want our students drowned in sexual dealings as happens in co-ed institutions.

4. During Puberty Nature Dominates

In those pubescent years, boys and girls are overrun by nature and all kinds of hormonal reactions. This continues up to 18 to even 20 years of age or more, i.e. the traditional age of college students. To put males and females in the same institution on the same campus is to invite serious problems. Their minds are easy captivated by lower propensities. We should not encourage this by having them live and study together.

5. Soon to be Leaders:

Today’s youths are tomorrow’s leaders. While they are young we should not allow them to indulge in sensual dealings or encourage this in any way. We must not create the environment where they may indulge. Since for all practical purposes youths are full-time students, we should ensure that our institutions of education are single-sex. This is a foundational piece for imparting proper education and transforming our kids into proper leaders. That is what Baba wants.

6. Problems Now in the US:

For decades the US has been the recognised world leader in pseudo-culture living. So many of the trends and dealings are born in the US and spread all around the globe. But now the US is seeing first-hand the negative results, including in the education system. The US schools suffer from so many problems including rampant sexual misconduct. That is why some of the leaders in US in education are re-thinking this formula and coming to the conclusion that education should not be mixed. Yet already the US has exported its old model of co-education all around the globe. We too should not fall prey to this.

7. Not on Par with the Religions:

The religions like Islam & Catholicism have all kinds of illogical and dogmatic rules, but on the point of single-sex education their approach is admirable. Baba says if anyone is doing something good we should appreciate them on that point. Tragically, our rules also mandate that we should not offer co-education past a certain age, but we are falling away from that gold standard. We are compromising on our ideals while those in the dogmatic religions are shining brightly on this point. This is a real tragedy: Failing to reflect our AM teachings. By such compromises, people start eating meat, skip asanas, fail to do AM dances and so many problems. Thus this manner of falling into compromise on the point of co-education is not at all good.

8. Vocal People ~ Give Money:

Those people who are adamantly opposed to Dada’s decision about not admitting female students to our university at Ananda Nagar should aim to donate time or energy into creating a proper women’s institution in another location. That will be the right resolution to this issue. That would be a constructive approach to the situation.

At the same time we must bear in mind that there must not be any government intervention within our AM institutions of learning. We must not give way to the West Bengal government – or any government – and have state officials on our Board of Directors for the college. That will be very bad and set a horrible precedent.

9. Must Follow Guru, Not Our Emotions:

We must recall that this is not an emotive issue; we must not bow down to emotion. Rather as sadhakas of the Marga we are to adhere to Guru’s guideline. So when Baba has given a system of education that is what we should follow. If anyone does not want to follow it then they can attend the hundreds or even thousands of other types of schools that are on this earth. But no one should try to dismantle the AM system as given by Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji.

10. All Women Have a Right to Higher Education:

In Ananda Marga, we fully support the right for women to have the ability to progress in all spheres of life and receive the highest standard of education available. Indeed it is for this reason that Baba wants separate institutions of education. They we can ensure that the highest standard of learning is available to all students, males and females.

WHAT SOME ARE WRITING ON EMAIL:

Part A

For all these reasons and more we support Kalyaneshvarananda’s decision not to allow women at the college at Ananda Nagar. The key point of course is Baba’s pointed guideline that males and females above 12 years of age must not attend the same school. This mandate is for the welfare of all – the entire humanity.

Unfortunately some are either not aware of Baba’s teaching or they are too emotionally involved to view the situation rationally with a balanced mind. Hence some very senior people in the Marga are going against Baba on this view. This is what happens when sentiment gets in the way.

For instance, one person has suggested even putting a wall down the middle of the classroom with males on one side and females on the other, yet both parties able to view the instructor. But such a suggestion is just like taking an onion and frying it in pakora batter or coating that onion with molasses. Here the point is that tamasik food is still tamasik no matter how you coat it.

Similarly, if one allows males and females into the same college then no matter what tricks you employ and no matter how slick you make it, the point remains that male and females are wrongly enrolled in the same school. And that is fundamentally against our AM way of life. There is no hiding that fact and no one should try to “out-smart” Baba’s designated guidelines.

If Baba wanted males and females studying in the same institution He would have said so. But He did not; rather He explicitly warned us against doing this. So those trying to cicrcumvent Baba’s guidelines are treading dangerous ground; they are on a slippery slope.

WHAT SOME ARE WRITING ON EMAIL:

Part B

Here is the direct public comment of one senior margii made in response to the college issue at AN. This person wrote:

“For your information, we in Ananda Marga Polytechnic follow co-ed.”
— SS Goenka

So this person is just doing what he likes irrespective of Guru’s teaching and he is encouraging others to do the same.

All I wish to say is that now I understand why Baba declared on one fine afternoon: Our philosophy is perfect but our cadres are not up to the mark – that is the problem.

BABA’S BLESSING

Baba’s teachings are perfect. When Baba says that males and females above 12 years should of age not be educated at the same institution, this is most assuredly for the betterment of all. But some with their small craniums think otherwise.

Once again I applaud Kalyaneshvaranandji for sticking by Baba’s declared system. On the point of ideology we should not compromise at all.

Baba says, ‘Where the question of benevolence and malevolence is concerned we will not deviate an inch from our ideology.” (Namah Shivaya Shantaya, Disc 14: Shiva’s Teachings – 2)

Namaskar,
Pramod

EVERYTHING IS SEPARATE IN AM

Here the point is that we keep our sanctity by maintaining our proper standard, not by compromising with our values. And in the realm of male-female relations, our proper standard is separation, not free and sensuous mixing of the sexes.

Baba has mandated that everything in AM should be separate: For example WWD. Our relief activities (AMURTL), reportings, social service projects, LFT trainings, and so much more are also separate along gender lines. This you know well.

Plus there are these points:

1. Jagrtis are not shared between males and females.
2. Co-education is not practiced with students above 10 years of age.
3. During dharmacakra sadhana is done in distinctly different rows.
4. The organisation itself has an entire separate wing for females, WWD or Women’s Welfare Department.
5. Prout, AMURT, VSS etc also have separate sections for males and females.
6. Reporting is done separately.
7. LFT, Tattvika, and Acarya training is separate for males and females.
8. In-Charges are not mixed. Males are in-charges of males and females of females.
Note: Only in Central Office will the head of WWD be controlled by the General Secretary.
9. During DMC Kaoshikii was also performed separately. And still this practice is maintained.
10. Females doing guard duty for females and males for males; Not mixed.
11. Akhanda kiirtana is also done in a separate manner.

Thus, when our entire AM way of life is separated along gender lines, it is shameful that some are going against Baba’s edict and advocating co-education in our AM college at Ananda Nagar.

PRABHAT SAMGIITA

“Jeo na’ ogo prabhu, anek katha’ a’che ba’kii…” -P.S. #683

Purport:

Baba, oh Prabhu please do not go away. Please remain with me– I have many a tale to tell You. Please come to my home. Please understand this unique opportunity: I am all alone in the house. Nobody is here, so please come.
Baba, in pleasure and pain, during both negative and positive situations, all the time I am calling You. And always I am remembering Your name. During all the 24 hours, whatever I do, my hands are always busy in work but my mind is at Your lotus feet. I remember You; it is Your grace. Even if I risk losing everything I want You to my heart’s content.
Baba, You understand my entire situation but You never console me. I am surrounded by the darkness these days. I do not have any happiness. Baba I do not want anything from You, only this much I want: That You please come close and sit beside me. The doors & windows of my mind are always open in longing for You, waiting for Your arrival.
Baba my Lord, please do not go away leaving me deserted. Always remain in my heart…

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Food Affects Protoplasmic Cells

Baba says, “Whatever I get, that I will eat” – this must not be the policy of a sane being. This human body is a composite of protoplasmic cells, and these protoplasmic cells are made of the food we take in. If the food and drink is defective, then the protoplasmic cells will also become defective, and the human mind, which is the collective mind of so many protoplasmic minds, will also become defective. That is why ta’masik or static food has a negative influence on the human mind.” (SS-18 p.3)
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Kundalinii Should Be at the Knee…

From: “Omprakash Rai”
To: am-global@earthlink.net
Subject: Kundalinii Should Be at the Knee…
Date: Tue, 18 Oct 2011 21:43:02 +0530

Baba

“Ye a’guna jva’liye gele saba’r mane liila’chale…” – P.S. #4087

Purport:

Baba, the fire of devotion which You have ignited with Your divine play will never extinguish. By Your grace it burns brightly in each and everyone’s heart. It will burn and resonate across all space and time & beyond.

Baba, the tune of the song which You are singing and the song in which You are loving everyone, that is saturated in each and every molecule of this earth. In the firm foundation of sama-samaj-tattva (Principle of Social Equality), the equality and straightforwardness which You have given will go on pouring sweetness during this entire yuga and beyond, in this animate and inanimate world, & up to eternity.

O’ my dearmost Baba, Your attributions are infinite– You are gunatiita [1]. On the one side You are shapeless and on the other side You are glorifying Yourself in Your own form. Baba, You have come on this earth with Your own samkalpa. You Yourself are the ever-perfect Controller of everything. Baba, Your liila is unfathomable and beyond the description and capacity of words…

NOTES TO PRABHAT SAMGIITA #4087:

[1] Gun’a’tiita: One of the infinite characteristics of Parama Purusa is that He is beyond the gun’as, beyond all the binding principles like sa’ttvagun’a, rajogun’a, and tamogun’a.

Baba says, “Why is He beyond the scope of all attributions [binding principles]? There are two reasons. One is that He is the creator of everything, so He is the creator of qualifications also, attributions also. So how can He be within the binding scope of those principles, of those qualifications? And certainly He is beyond the reach of these qualifications. In Sam’skrta, qualification or attribution is called “gun’a”, and He is called “Gun’a’tiita”, that is, beyond the bondage of any gun’a.” (AV-12)

KUNDALINII SHOULD BE AT THE KNEE…

TO ENJOY MAHAPRAYAN DOGMA

Namaskar,
By reading the below, you will clearly understand what is meant by the joke, “their kundalinii is at the knee.”

This is one of the more humorous things floating around this time of year. Though there is a serious side to it as well.

So go ahead, read the below and share your views.

NOT EVEN AT THE LEVEL OF SA’LOKYA

In the stage of sa’lokya – the lowest stage of realisation – the sadhaka feels that they and their Lord are in the same world, i.e. the same loka. The aspirant thinks, ‘Both I am here and Parama Purus’a is also here in this world.’ (Reference NKS, Disc: 3)

The moment the kundalinii awakens from its dormant state in the muladhara cakra, one gets this basic feeling of spirituality, that “I and my Lord are in this world together.” That is the stage of sa’lokya, the lowest stage of realisation.

The irony is that the dogmatic mahaprayan program dictates that Parama Purusa is gone – He is not in this world – He is living in some far distant place, not here. Thus the entire premise of so-called mahaprayan is below the lowest stage of realisation. It is below sa’lokya.

Sa’lokya states that Baba is here, and the dogmatic mahaprayan program states that Baba is gone.

It is well known that at the dogmatic mahaprayan program the crude chant is repeated that, “Oh Lord, You have gone to some distant world, You are not living here with me, please grace me from Your far distant place.” This is the lowly dogmatic feeling of the mahaprayan program.

That is why many say that those who attend the dogmatic mahaprayan program do not even have the most basic feeling of spirituality – they are not even at the level of salokya. Their kundalinii has not even awakened to that small degree at the base cakra – or they ignore that feeling. Baba is with us, but their mahaprayan program states that Baba is gone.

So the running joke is that to enjoy the dogma of mahaprayan, one’s kundalinii must be even below the muladhara cakra, their kundalinii must be at the level of the knee(!), i.e. way below the lowest cakra. Many have been laughing about this.

Only when the mind is sunk in that darkened state – with their kundalinii at the knee – can one attend & enjoy the so-called mahaprayan program. That is the on-going & hilarious joke.

On the one hand it is humorous and on the other hand it is pitiful that some of our brothers and sisters are suffering in this extreme ignorance.

In contrast, if one has even the lowest level of realisation, sa’lokya, then they will be above the standard of the dogmatic mahaprayan. In that case, they will not go rushing off to attend that crude event. Then their kundalinii will not longer be at the level of their knees.

IRRATIONALITY REIGNED IN THE PAST & STILL TODAY

Here is the next point that relates with the dogma of mahaprayan.

Baba recounts how long ago in Bengal, a family would marry their daughters when they were just 2 or 3 years old, and sometimes even before they were born.

And then if the husband died young, which was quite common in those days as there were many childhood diseases, then the girl would have to suffer and live her entire life as a widow, undergoing all kinds of penance.

Even on the hottest days of the year, during ekadashii the girl could not take water. The entire family would be eating and drinking to their heart’s content but the girl had to suffer and fast without water. If it was so hot, then they would pour a few drops of water into the girl’s ear.

This was the cruel and inhumane treatment going on those days – all due to the darkness of ignorance. It was all baseless, devoid of any logic and rationality. But people did it because their minds were sunk in total dogma. And here is another irrational dogma that was propagated in Bengal. In AV 9-10, Baba describes how any woman who heard the vedic chants would get punished by having molten lead poured into her ears.

Thus, by not using their brain, they just pushed the whole society toward destruction.

And now in that same land of Bengal, they are championing the dogma of mahaprayan. This is their irrational and illogical approach. They are not understanding that Parama Purusa resides in the heart.

Instead, year after year, they are proclaiming and observing the false notion that Parama Purusa is gone.

But this cannot last – just as later on the those in Bengal discussed the matter and used their rational mind and stopped the mistreatment of young widows in Bengal, similarly sadhakas in Bengal will one day rationally review and reject the dogma of mahaprayan. And they will feel ashamed that how all theses years this meaningless and anti-devotional program was held in their locale.

It will not be long before the so-called mahaprayan is totally a thing of the past, just some relic that people look at and think, “I can’t believe people would actually attend and participate in the MPD dogma that Baba is gone.”

Due to the very narrow sentiments of a few, this mahaprayan dogma is still hanging on by a thread.

With the fresh air of rationality, the dogma of MPD that Baba is gone will be totally removed from this earth. Why? Because ultimately people do not like to follow dogma.

People want to rejoice and bask in the presence of Parama Purusa and not get bogged down in the lowly dogma that Baba is gone.

WHY WRITING

It is with love and affection that the above is written – to help open the eyes and mind of those who unfortunately got stuck in the dogma of mahaprayan.

They do not realise that they are going against Baba’s wish. He did not forget anything nor is Baba’s philosophy incomplete. By celebrating the dogma of mahaprayan, those worshipers are charge-sheeting Parama Purusa that He forgot to give this program in Caryacarya. So they added it. When in fact He has given everything. What He did not give was not meant to be. Such should be that status of the mahaprayan dogma, i.e. gone.

BABA’S BLESSING

By Baba’s grace we should awaken all, especially other Ananda Margiis, to the divine truth that Parama Purusa is in their heart.

Those involved in the dogma of mahaprayan should not be left to suffer in their lowly state, where their kundalinii is stuck at their knees, or they are not using their rational brain.

It is the unfortunate situation that to understand, attend, and enjoy the dogma of mahaprayan, one’s mind should be in total darkness, devoid of an iota of rationality and realisation.

Let spirituality and rationality reign in our Marga, and by His grace we will all realise the divine truth that Baba is always with us.

Baba says, “He actually resides in the heart of a devotee.” (DT-2, ‘Yoga & Tantra’)

Baba says, “When you attain awareness of Him, you find that He was all along with you in your search. He was seated in your heart.” (AV-23, ‘God Is With You’, 23 May 1971, Ranchi)

Namaskar,
Omprakash

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Deciding Factor of Beauty

Baba says, “The notion of what is beautiful or ugly, or good or bad in human beings changes from age to age, and in different environments. Those who are black-complexioned will say, `How beautiful black is. Why is that man so white? Has he contracted leukoderma, i.e. white leprosy? How repulsive, how utterly repulsive!’ That is, human judgement is relative; it changes according to time, place and person. In one particular country of the world, people decompose small fishes, make a sauce out of them and then bury it in the ground. After three months, when the sauce is so rotten that its odour can be smelled even a mile away, they dig it up and eat it with rice and pulses. `Oh how delicious,’ they exclaim. But if we were to eat it we would complain, `How obnoxious, how repulsive!’ In that same country, a gentleman was frying luci [puffed, unleavened bread] in cow’s ghee. The village chief came up to him, saying, `Can you please go and cook your food in some other place, far away from here? We have no idea what you’re cooking, but whatever it is, it smells terrible. We can’t stand it any more.’ It means they do not like the smell of pure cow’s ghee, which, for us, is a very nice smell.” (AV-8, p.9-10)
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Why This Style

Subject: Why This Style
Date: Mon, 17 Oct 2011 19:51:26 -0000
From: “Gaurishankar Deva”
To: AM-GLOBAL

Baba

PS Intro: In many collective gatherings such as general darshan or reporting, bhaktas would address Baba both directly and indirectly. Some of the indirect ways of addressing and referring to Baba were, “By the grace of Parama Purusa it is done”, or “Parama Purusa will be very happy” etc. Similarly in this song the devotees is using this type of indirect address to communicate with Baba.

“Caetii ha’oya’y man ja’re ca’y se ye go kata dura…” (PS 201)

Purport:

O’ how far that Divine Entity is, the One whom my mind loves most and longs for in this spring breeze. In this loving season, He is remaining very far. My mind, overwhelmed with pain, rushes in hope towards His path of arrival to get a glimpse of Him.

He is my Dearmost. Why does He remain far away. Those who know please tell me why He remains far, please tell me why. I am rapt in His ideation, ensconced in the thought of Him. I am helplessly bound; I have fallen in love with Him. I cannot forget Him.

He is my everything – the heart of my heart. In longing for Him, I die crying in great pain on this lonely full moon night. Although I remain hopeless about ever getting Him, the black bees are whispering melodious songs filled with hope in my ears.

O’ Lord, O’ my Dearmost, why do You remain far, my heart is restless, please shower Your grace by coming before me…

== WHY THIS STYLE ==

Namaskar,
By Baba’s grace one of the most unique aspects of our Ananda Marga is that: Spirituality is the base of life. That is the essence. Each and every margii has their own inner link with Parama Purusa. Plus in our God-centered approach each and every thought, word, & action is prefaced by a spiritual ideation or spiritually uplifting practice– such as singing kiirtan and / or Prabhat Samgiita before beginning any type of meeting etc. This is the special system which Baba Himself has implemented.

Anyone who attended reporting or general darshan or various kinds of meetings, Baba always insisted on hearing a Prabhat Samgiita before starting.

And this is radically different from the current trends in the common society.

PART OF OUR NITYA KARMA

Here Baba explains here how spiritual practices are part of our nitya kriya’ or nitya karma. That means sadhana etc is a requisite component of human life– and cannot be skipped.

Just as the regular intake of food is needed to maintain our existence, similarly spiritual practices are equally necessary for our survival. Without them, we fall into the depths of degeneration– animal life. This is Baba’s warning.

Babas says, “Kriya’ is of two types: Nitya kriya’ and naemittik kriya’. Those actions which are essential for the preservation of human existence are nitya kriya’, whereas those which are occasional and done with some other purpose are called naemittik kriya’. For instance, eating, bathing, resting, spiritual practice are nitya kriya’ because without food, drink, bathing and rest, etc., physical human existence become endangered, and in the absence of spiritual practice human psychic degeneration is unavoidable. Hence, in the daily lives of human beings, spiritual practice is indispensable.” (TK-2)

SPIRITUAL PRACTICE IS THE ESSENCE OF HUMAN LIFE

LIFE IS SHORT AND SHOULD BE UTILISED FOR SADHANA

In His following teaching, Baba emphasizes the grand importance of spiritual practices. And by His grace our Marga is infused with this divine approach.

Baba says, “Human beings often attach less importance to the spiritual aspect of nitya karma and more importance to the physical aspect. This is detrimental because one should not forget that human life is short. From the very moment of birth one slowly and steadily advances towards death with every passing moment of time. This short period of time from birth to death is human life. Human beings have come from the world of invisibility and at the end of this short span of time will return to the land of invisibility. Those people can be called intelligent who utilised every moment of their short life engaged in spiritual practice.” (TK-2)

HOW MUNDANE PEOPLE DO

Those in the general society have no such approach. Rather they start their day by turning on the television or listening to the radio, making some toast, swallowing some coffee, and reading some crude news report etc. Or they engage in some other types of peculiar mundane activity. They have no higher system– just they drag themselves through low-minded things. And this is how they begin their day. And indeed it continues like that up to their sleep.

SPIRITUALLY CHARGED LIFE OF A’NANDA MA’RGIIS

In contrast in Ananda Marga upon wake-up we immediately begin our Guru Sakash and ideate on Him– bringing in a rush of spiritual feeling and vibration. Then comes our Prabhat Samgiita at the time of paincajanya, followed by kiirtan and sadhana. And the rest of the morning is filled with our special bathing system and bath mantra, completing our sadhana lessons, performing asanas, doing svadhyaya and then moving on to our other daily duties. Even then throughout the day second lesson is done before each and every work.

SPIRITUAL PRACTICES DONE ANYWHERE– ANYTIME

Plus Baba guides us to fill any gaps in time by doing mantra japa, Prabhat Samgiita, or Kiirtan etc.

Baba says, “If you have even only one minute’s time, do kiirtan for one minute.” (‘Bliss of Kiirtan’, 17/5/82)

So whenever we have a moments time we should do our devotional singing etc. And on this point, there is no rule with regards to place or venue. Kiirtan can be done anywhere.

Baba says, “In Kiirtan there is no restriction regarding time, place, or person…So do Kiirtan, sing Kiirtan, chant Kiirtan, whenever and wherever possible.” (15/5/82)

And not just Kiirtan but all or any of our spiritual practices can be done anywhere or anytime. If we are waiting for the bus we can do Guru dhyana or svadhyaya. Or when walking to a meeting we can repeat our Ista mantra. Indeed according to Baba this is proper use of our time.

On this point in our Marga we do not suffer from any superstitions or dogma. We do not cling to the outdated belief that our spiritual practices are only to be done once a week in the “sanctified halls” of some church etc. Rather, for Ananda Margiis this entire universe is the thought projection of Parama Purusa and each and every place is suitable for spiritual ideation or devotional singing etc.

PRABHAT SAMGIITA: INCORPORATED INTO ANY ACTIVITY

A few may be thinking that Prabhat Samgiita should only be sung at special occasions or at a particular time etc. Or that Prabhat Samgiita should not be printed at the top of a political essay etc. But this type of thinking is just people’s own confusion.

Baba has beautifully laid down the system that kiirtan or Prabhat Samgiita or any devotional reading etc can and should be done before any mundane activity or worldly work. Even before starting His own reporting sessions Baba would ensure that everyone would sing Prabhat Samgiita. Similarly before our political meetings or even during our Prout rallies we sing Prabhat Samgiita & Kiirtan. Hence each and every activity starts by encouraging that sweet, spiritual flow (rasa). That is our style.

So our devotionally charged or spiritually elevating practices like Prabhat Samgiita are not limited to any time or place. Rather Baba instructs us that we are to incorporate them in our each and every phase of life.

AM IS INFUSED WITH THE AROMA OF SPIRITUALITY

So in our Marga, everything is infused with His divine, spiritual vibration– from our birth all the way up to one’s death. From our practice of jatakarma up to carrying the dead body to the cremation ground we sing kiirtan and do dharmacakra etc. In AM our each and every step is filled with the baseline is spirituality. By Baba’s grace the fragrant aroma of spirituality envelops all our activities.

If on this point any are not following Baba’s teaching then they are not progressive-minded sadhakas– rather they are backwards. We should all follow what Baba has done and what He has taught. So all our spiritual practices including Prabhat Samgiita have tremendous scope and play a huge role in life. And of course all rational margiis are well aware about all this. This is not something new.

And by the all-encompassing, permeating aroma of our spiritual practices, then the collective vibration will rise up and our human society will blossom. Such a God-centered approach will bring smiles on the faces of one and all. This is the inherent beauty of our Ananda Marga: Bringing bliss to one and all.

Namaskar,
Gaurishankar

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Re: Under the Umbrella of Money

Subject: Re: Under the Umbrella of Money
Date: Sun, 16 Oct 2011 06:39:00 GMT
From: Brahmadeva….
To: am-global@earthlink.net

Baba

== RE: UNDER THE UMBRELLA OF MONEY ==

~ PART 3 ~

Namaskar
Yes, it seems that people have sought money as the new God for centuries. Yet, money itself puts faith and security in God. Materialistic cultures worship money as God, but money worships God. On the back of the USA’s dollar bill is the ‘all-knowing’ eye of God on the top of the pyramid and the famous saying, “In God We Trust.” It is ironic!

Another point is that people tend to take after or follow the leadership among them. If the leaders of nation are materialistic, then naturally, the citizens will also be materialistic. So, we must remember this when Ananda Margiis assume the power in the future, if we aren’t spiritually ready to lead, then we will cause untold numbers of people to go astray.

TRYING TO SATISFY INFINITE DESIRE WITH FINITE OBJECTS

Furthermore, as we know, Baba has said that, “In the human being, there is a thirst for limitlessness.” (Ananda Sutram, 2-5) Unfortunately, people are trying to quench their longing for the infinite with finite objects, i.e. by acquiring more and more limited, material wealth. But this cannot work – it will not satisfy their them.

It is just like how toddlers – when they are hungry – put all kinds of things in their mouth: pebbles, plastic, sticks etc. They do not know what will satisfy their hunger so they randomly put anything in their mouth and start chewing.

Similarly humans have an infinite desire for happiness yet they wrongly think finite, material objects and limited sensual pleasures will satisfy their longing. And they senselessly chase after those things.

Then comes stage two…

When the toddler feels dissatisfied by chewing on plastic and wood, then it throws those things away and cries out loudly, announcing that it is still hungry.

Likewise some who chase after material wealth for decades get terribly frustrated and start searching for something more meaningful, i.e. spirituality.

While some poor souls never realise that finite things will never bring them peace. In their blindness, they follow the path of negative pratisaincara, and degrade themselves. After death, they are reborn as stone or wood.

Here the entire point is that only the attainment of Parama Purusa can satisfy infinite human longing. This alone is the path of welfare and supreme fulfillment, not the chase after finite, material objects.

NO DOLLAR BILL IS INFINITE

Here we have to remember that there is no such thing as an infinite dollar bill; if the bill does not have a number on it then it is valueless. So every dollar is counted, limited and finite. it is not limitless and desires are limitless. Indeed, everything on this earth is countable and calculated and measured.

JUST CRUDE LONGING

Taking shelter in material wealth is part of our animalistic samskaras for security and to satisfy crude desires. We have no clear example in society except in Baba’s writings on how to transform the attachment from the material to the spiritual. We need to promote HIS discourses and follow those teachings.

With His blessing and by following His guidelines, then anything and everything is possible: Even a depraved, materialistic society can become divine.

In Prabhat Samgiita #207, “Ta’r man yadi ca’i…”, it is said that whatever Parama Purusa desires will happen. When He wishes for society to move on, then that will become a reality.

All along we should go on doing our duty of serving others, always remembering Baba’s below blessing.

Sarve’tra sukhinah bhavantu sarve santu nirámayáh;
Sarve bhadráńi pashyantu na kashcid duhkhamápnuyát.
Oṋḿ shántih oṋḿ shántih oṋḿ shantih.

“Let everybody be happy; let everybody be free from all physical or psychic ailments; let everybody see the bright side of everything; let nobody be forced to undergo any trouble under pressure of circumstances… Oṋḿ shántih, oṋḿ shántih, oṋḿ shantih.”

Namaskar,
Brahmadeva

NOTE: REPLY TO EARLIER COMMENT

One person in particular misunderstood the overall meaning of this thread, “Under the Umbrella of Money.”

Here the point is not that money is not needed. Certainly, one must fulfill their basic requirements on the material plane, but that does not mean that one should sell their soul and surrender cent-per-cent to money. No one should wrongly conclude that this thread of emails is about renouncing the world and following Shankaracarya’s dogmatic teachings of maya vada, i.e. world is an illusion.

Rather the point is that we should follow Baba’s supreme mandate of “subjective approach and objective adjustment.” That means always we should follow and surrender unto Him. He is our Goal; He is our Polestar. And side by side we should adjust with the basic necessities of life. Thus money should never become the aim or goal, yet that is what we see so many doing.

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Story: Baba Told, “Baba has Gone in Your Heart”

From: “Ramanuj Deva”
To: am-global@earthlink.net
Subject: Story: Baba Told, “Baba has Gone in Your Heart”
Date: Sat, 15 Oct 2011 17:43:08

Baba

== STORY: BABA TOLD, “BABA HAS GONE IN YOUR HEART” ==

Namaskar,
As every A’nanda Ma’rgii knows, when Baba was living in Madhu Malainca, i.e. the Baba’s Quarter (BQ) residence in Lake Gardens, Kolkata, then He would occasionally go to the Tiljala compound and remain there for a day, 3 days, or however long He wished. This was part of Baba’s regular program those days.

Furthermore, at each and every BQ, one Dada is posted as the caretaker and he attends to the various duties regarding the maintenance and upkeep of the BQ.

Once, what happened, one time in the late 1980’s, Baba went to Tiljala and after a few days He came back. And according to the system or protocol, many margiis, including the caretaker Dada, received Baba by singing Prabhat Samgiita when He returned back to Madhu Malainca (Lake Gardens).

When coming out from His car, after receiving a mala from the caretaker, in a very gracious and jolly mood, Baba smiled and softly asked, “While I was away, when anyone asked you, ‘Where has Baba gone’, what did you tell them?”.

“Baba, I told them that, ‘Baba has gone to Tiljala'”, the caretaker replied.

“And when I go to Ananda Nagar then what do you say when anyone asks you, ‘Where has Baba gone'”, Baba asked.

“Then I tell them that, ‘Baba has gone to Ananda Nagar'”, the caretaker responded.

Hearing this Baba started smiling and asked another question.

“What if I go somewhere and I do not tell you where I have gone, in that situation what will you say to people when they ask you, ‘Where has Baba gone?'”.

Then the caretaker kept quiet. He was now in a fix as he had no idea how to respond to Baba’s query. Rather he was thinking that he would reply, ‘I do not know’.

Seeing this, Baba Himself gave the answer, “If I go somewhere and I do not tell you where I have gone, in that situation when anyone asks you, ‘Where has Baba gone?, in that case you should tell them that, ‘Baba has gone in your heart'”.

Baba then inquired, “Do you understand?”.

“Yes Baba”, the caretaker said.

ABOUT THE STORY

Although it is a very simple story, but at the same time it is very mysterious also. This story is quite popular, but some understand and some not– still today even. That is why it is mysterious.

But the matter became quite real after 1990 when Baba did not tell where He was going – and then people understood its value.

On the one hand, some non-margiis take it lightly and think that Baba was just making a joke and there is nothing more to the story than that.

Whereas true bhaktas know that Guru’s every word has a very deep meaning. And especially since this above story happened in the late 80’s, they understood that through this story Baba was giving a hint about the forthcoming situation. Afterwards some understood in this way. But at the time nobody could fathom what was to come.

Here the point is that later on some people understood that Baba’s comment– “If I go somewhere and I do not tell you where I have gone, in that situation when anyone asks you, ‘Where has Baba gone?, in that case you should tell them that, ‘Baba has gone in your heart'”– was related with the fact that on 21 October 1990 Baba did not tell where He was going.

The meaning is then that since Baba did not tell where He was going on that very occasion of 21 Oct 1990, then margiis understood that the answer to the question, ‘Where has Baba gone’, is that Baba has gone in your heart.

PEOPLE TOOK IT SERIOUSLY

Those days, in the late 1980’s, it was commonly understood within the entire Marga that Baba sees and watches everything. Because on a daily basis in reporting or dharma samiiksa or in general darshan etc, Baba would reveal each and every moment of what a sadhaka was thinking and doing. And Baba would constantly remind us that we cannot hide anything from Him. At any time He could reveal the entire course of events. Nothing was outside of His divine vision.

So when people heard the above story, they took it seriously. Everyone thought, “Yes it is true that Baba is in the heart”, and the proof is that He sees and knows everything. If He was not in the heart, then how could He know what is
going on. So this was everyone’s understanding.

For any human to say, “I remain in your heart”, then it is indeed an outlandish type of statement.

But when Baba says it, it has deep meaning. And everyone understood it as true. The pointed was accepted quite readily and taken very seriously.

Now you are reading this story – and you may or may not know, but Baba is in your heart and watching you. If you feel this way then that is best.

ABOUT MAHASAMBHUTI

When Baba as the Mahasambhuti was in physical form, then He was living both inside the heart of His devotees as well as in external physical world. He was residing in both places.

And when He withdrew His physical manifestation, then still He continues to remain in the heart– to this very day. That is the way to look at the situation. So all along He was in the heart of His devotees and still He remains there, only now He no longer is in external form.

CONCLUSION

Once again, the mystery is that Baba was giving the hint that He is not going anywhere other than, “residing in your heart”. But those not understanding took it very lightly and thought that it was a joke.

Unfortunately, by this way they drowned themselves in the dungeon of dogma. And they forcibly closed their own eyes to this very simple and divine teaching: That Baba always remains in the heart.

It is rightly said that to understand Guru’s word is not easy. It can only happen with His grace alone. Baba your liila is unfathomable.

All bhaktas of the Marga know and feel that Baba remains always in the heart – watching and showering his blessing.

BABA’S BLESSING

By His grace, in Prabhat Samgiita #4425, Baba has given the line,

“Vrnda’vanam parityajya pa’damekam na gaccha’mi…”

“I am always eternally present in Vrindavan, in the hearts of devotees. That is Guru cakra. I do not go even a little away from that. I am eternally present along with my devotees in their heart.”

Namaskar,
Ramanuj

Note 1: WHAT SOME DID

By all of the above, we can easily understand that Baba was foreshadowing what we should say and think when He is no longer physically present on this earth.

That time Baba was graciously infusing the idea that when we do not know where He has gone then we should think that Baba has gone our heart. That is Baba’s meaningful guideline. And indeed it applies perfectly to His physical disappearance from this earth.

Unfortunately, some could not understand Baba’s above teaching– even today. In that way, each year on 21 October they organise their dogmatic program of Mahaprayan– ‘the so-called great departure’, which means that Baba is gone forever.

But from Baba’s above story, we can understand that there is no such thing as Mahaprayan. Rather, October 1990 signifies the time when Baba remains exclusively in the hearts of His devotees.

However, various self-serving groupists are determined to make their so-called Mahaprayan festival as one great gathering in hopes of bringing huge money into their pocket. Basically, their intention is to turn Kolkata into one dogmatic tiirtha on the basis of “Mahaprayan”. This has been their self-serving plan.

But little by little that plan is eroding more and more.

Because Ananda Margiis– the devotees of Baba– are not at all attracted to the Mahaprayan program as it unceremoniously declares that ‘Baba is gone– forever’. And no devotee likes to think in this way. Nor is it true. By Baba’s grace, in the above story, He has given the perfect response:

“If I go somewhere and I do not tell you where I have gone, in that situation when anyone asks you, ‘Where has Baba gone?, in that case you should tell them that, ‘Baba has gone in your heart'”.

That is His divine guideline and that is what we should follow and realise in this life.

Note 2: STORY THIEVES

It is the accepted international standard and our way in AM not to copy another’s work and publish it in your own name. Baba Himself has given a very strict rule on plagiarism.

Baba says, “It is not possible to guide others merely with cheap, superficial knowledge, like a half-baked pandit who reads a half-a-dozen books and then spouts a few mouthfuls of grandiloquence, and who has obtained a doctorate degree by plagiarising others’ works.” (PNS-10)

Our goal is to follow Baba’s teachings on plagiarism. That means the author’s name must not be deleted so someone else can post the story in their own name. That is wrong and unethical and dishonest – and against Baba’s system.

Here the point is about authenticity and accountability. It is not about getting personal credit per se. When a story can be verified by the proper sources then that story will be deemed as authentic and trusted. That is why a proper citation is needed along with the original author’s name.

Some complain about this and say that stories cannot be patented. It seems their inner desire is to disregard Baba’s teaching and steal stories according to their own whim. This is the reply to such persons.

If there is a serious car accident or a presidential debate in the town hall or any other incident or happening, then all kinds of reporters are welcome to come onto the scene and write their account. There is no monopoly or patent on the situation itself. All are welcome to report on it. But what is not tolerated is if one writer steals another reporter’s story and prints it in their own name. That is unethical and indeed a crime.

Similarly all are welcome to write their own account of an incident like DMC or a demonstration. 5, 10 or 100 sadhakas are welcome to write their story. But that does not mean that one person can steal the account written by one bhakta and then post it in their own name. That is what is called plagiarising. And Baba is totally 100% against this.

So those who steal and justify by saying there is no patent on that Baba story are totally, totally wrong. Theirs is just a senseless approach. Indeed they are shameless.

Again here the matter is that Baba stories are indeed universal. There is no limit to the number of people who can write their own account of a particular event. But what is expected is that their contribution will be original and not a stolen copy of the hard work of someone else.

That is Baba’s exact teaching and we should all honor and abide by this ethic. This is the standard in our Marga as well as in the international community of writers, educators and journalists etc. So no one should steal another’s story. If anyone wishes to cross-post a Baba story then they must include the original writer’s name, the full email header, as well as that entire story and all notes. That is Baba system. – Eds.

PRABHAT SAMGIITA

“Tamasa’ ka’t’iche bihag d’akiche, purva toran’e khuliche dva’r…” (P.S. 4647)

Purport:

By His grace, today in the eastern horizon the sun has come, the birds are chirping with full joy, the darkness has gone. The crimson dawn is rising– everything is beautiful; everything is charming. The door of a new era has opened.

O’ my brothers and sisters, everyone get ready. Do not remain drowsy and in a state of slumber– Arise, awake. O’ children, boys, and girls of the world, break the jail of dogma and staticity and come out.

Now it is our duty to fulfill those great tasks which were started by sages in the past. We have to remain vigilant and keep the lamp of neo-humanism effulgent forever. By Baba’s grace today all the darkness and staticity has gone; a new brilliant era has come…

***************************************************
Remedy

Baba says, “On imbibing cosmic ideation all kinds of ailments will be cured.” (PNS-8, p.19)
***************************************************

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The Dream is Over

Date: Fri, 14 Oct 2011 18:34:55 -0600
To: AM-GLOBAL
From: “Punyatman Deva”
Subject: The Dream is Over

Baba

== THE DREAM IS OVER ==

Namaskar,
Since World War II if not earlier, the American Dream was 100% alive – all Americans believed in it, as did most of the rest of the world. Even up until ten years ago, a large majority of the US population believed in capitalism and the American Dream.

Now that dream is gone. Today large segments of the population are fed-up with capitalism. They think their situation is bleak with little or no hope for the future. They are looking for something different – they are looking for a new way.

CHANGE IN CONSCIOUSNESS

A shift in consciousness is taking place. One such manifestation of this is the “Occupy Wall St” protests. While they may not possess the answers, the youths involved are quite disenchanted with capitalism. Such youths need direction.

Indeed with the loss of faith in capitalism, a vacuum has been created. Many will try and fill that space with their own ideas and agendas, including the socialists etc. This way the suffering of society will continue. Because these other theories are but a utopia; they will only invite for trouble and torment for the people.

Now is the very moment we must further advance our propagation of Prout. The intensive efforts margiis and acaryas have put forth in the past will yield tremendous results in this current environment. The youths are looking for a glimmer of hope – a practical way to proceed. And Prout is that philosophy and socio-economic system.

BABA STORY:

JUST PROPAGATE THE NAME PROUT

Many may recall how in certain reporting sessions and Prout meetings, Baba told that: Our duty is to propagate Prout, if people merely recognise the name Prout – then the work is done. That is enough. It needs name recognition, nothing more. Then the needful will be done.

So none should feel that we must have manifestos and edicts and strategic plans etc. If we merely tell people that there is a socio-economic philosophy called Prout, then naturally they will research further. As we know all Baba’s teachings are perfectly psychological and suited to the human mind. Prout will appeal to people and they will rally around it.

In this phase, our aim is to make Prout a “household name”.

REPORT:

AMERICAN YOUTHS DISENCHANTED WITH CAPITALISM

Here following is an interesting, expressive report that shows how youths are fed-up capitalism.

On Point Radio Show: “Occupy Wall Street”: While the entire show is quite interesting, if your time is limited simple scroll to the 6min 10sec mark and listen to what the young sister named Bre has to say.

And indeed there are many such reports. And only reports, the unemployment rate is very high for young people and the youths are also burdened by debt. There is a growing outcry against the capitalist system. To give voice to this the Occupy Wall St movement started and now it has spread to 150+ cities across the US and has generated interest across the entire globe.

NOW IS THE TIME…

Now is the time to heighten our efforts to spread the name and teachings of Prout. When people hear about it, interest will grow quickly.

Already for decades so many dedicated and sincere margiis and Wts have worked tirelessly spreading the teachings of Prout. And as we all know, new ideas are best taught in a fertile environment. Now in capitalistic nations, and in particular the US, the ground has indeed become fertile. The youths are looking for something other than corporate capitalism.

This is the time to fill the vacuum with Prout – before there was no vacuum in the US – people were pleased with capitalism – now that has changed. A vacuum has been created and now is the time for Prout.

Baba says, “This vacuum has to be immediately filled with a strong guiding and controlling force. You should fill it with your intellectuo-intuitional strength. If you sit idle some other demonic non-spiritual theories can become active and occupy that vacuum, so do not encourage lethargy and procrastination. You must leave the six defects of sleep, drowsiness, fear, anger, lethargy and procrastination if you want to work for the Self and for the society.”

“PROUT is the only panacea. If the God-centred philosophy of PROUT does not come forward immediately to fill this vacuum, some other ideology will, because it is a law of nature that something will fill a vacuum once it has been created. If this ideological vacuum is not filled by PROUT, a great catastrophe will take place in the future because other defective philosophies will come forward. Some dogma-centred, matter-centred or self-centred theories will occupy the space. We cannot allow this to happen…The ideas of PROUT are spreading throughout the world. This new day is yours.” (Prout in a Nutshell-18, The Excellence of God-Centred Philosophy)

Namaskar,
Punya’tman

Note: 1: MORE OF BABA’S TEACHINGS

Baba says, “Human beings, universal humans, have had to undergo tremendous struggle due to suppression, repression and oppression and the catastrophes created by capitalism and communism. Wherever there is suppression, repression and oppression human beings are forced to follow the path of dogma. Communism preaches dogma, capitalism preaches dogma, and so-called religions based on the scriptures also preach dogma. Now is the time for the emergence for the third psychic force where there will be no more suppression, repression and oppression. Let the mind develop according to its longings; let the mind be free. Let there be a human society of coordination and cooperation. This is the last stage. We are waiting for the rising sun with crimson rays. Even now the crimson rays are a bit visible. These crimson rays are the rays of PROUT.” (Prout in a Nutshell-17, Suppression, Repression and Oppression)

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